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.
"The rioting and violence I saw and heard at the Capitol today brought back painful memories of the Congressional baseball shooting in Virginia a few short years ago," said Davis, who represents parts of Bloomington-Normal. "Political violence of any kind is never acceptable and must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There’s no excuse for what we saw today. It’s unpatriotic and un-American. Political leaders, from Congress to the White House, have an obligation to be voices of reason and calming in times of national crisis. That time is now."
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. My staff and I are currently safe. More to say later.
— US Rep Rodney Davis (@RodneyDavis) January 6, 2021
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."
Amid the chaos, my statement here: pic.twitter.com/6CMZHeYhPq
— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 6, 2021
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.
We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WCBU will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WCBU can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.