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Illinois Lawmakers Condemn Pro-Trump Extremists Storming U.S. Capitol

Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber at the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington.
(AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber at the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington.

Illinois lawmakers of both parties are condemning insurrection after pro-Trump extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.

The building was breached while Congress was formally certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Democrat Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump on Nov. 3, winning 306 electoral votes to Trump's 232.

Some Illinois Democrats said the certification process should continue as soon as possible after lawmakers and their staffs were evacuated, or forced to shelter in place for their safety.

"I think it's paramount that we should certify the election results today," said U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., in a press call. "I will not be discouraged from carrying out my constitutional duties by a mob, by a violent mob, that essentially tries to go on the Capitol and conduct a coup."

U.S. Rep. Cheri Busto, D-Moline, who represents parts of Peoria and Tazewell counties, concurred.

"(No) angry mob can stop us from doing our Constitutional duty. Democracy will prevail and we WILL complete the count," she said in a tweet.

U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, agreed.

"This is a sad day for our country. The lawlessness has got to stop. Protestors must leave the Capitol so Congress can resume the process of confirming the Electoral College vote," Davis said.

U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, also condemed the violence in a tweet.

"I have always fought for the right to peacefully protest, but there is a stark difference between protesting and rioting. Lawlessness is never an acceptable answer. This must end now," he said.

Spokespeople for both members of Congress said they and their staffs are safe.

U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Channahon, whose northern Illinois district stretches down to Stark and Livingston counties, called the insurrection "a coup attempt" and said Trump's legacy will be a "disaster."

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., joined his colleagues in condemning the violence.

"This shameful chapter in our nation’s history is the real legacy of Donald Trump. On Jan. 20, we can begin the process of healing the wounds of this country and start to put this national nightmare behind us," he said.

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Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.