Blackburn, Hagerty issue joint statement following violent riot at the US Capitol during election certification

TN US Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty have issued a joint statement following violence at the US Capitol during the electoral certification process on Wednesday.

The two in part said the breach of the capitol by rioters was lawless and those individuals inflicted significant property damage to the inside of the building. Hagerty and Blackburn each commended the work of law enforcement that restored peace to allow lawmakers to complete the certification process.

Both previously intended to object to the certifying of president-elect Joe Biden’s win in certain states, but reversed course following the violent attack on the Capitol. Below is the full statement from both lawmakers:

“Yesterday was a shocking day of lawlessness. We watched in horror as rioters breached the security of both Houses of Congress and inflicted significant property damage upon those historical halls.

“Our Republic will rise above the chaos that ensued yesterday in the Capitol. These violent assaults on our democratic processes threaten to unwind the fabric of this country. As Americans, we must unite in our commitment to the Constitution and the rule of law.

“We are grateful for the heroic law enforcement officials who helped restore peace, allowing us to complete our work. Last night we reconvened with our Senate colleagues to fulfill our constitutional duty to certify the 2020 election results and prepare for a peaceful transition of power. On January 20th, we will prove to the world that America is still the shining city on the hill.”

Photo Courtesy: Republican Bill Hagerty, center, is joined by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., after Hagerty was named the winner of his race for U.S. Senate Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in Franklin, Tenn. (George Walker IV/The Tennessean via AP)