Rep. Robinson statement on insurrection and mob takeover of U.S. Capitol Building

State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) today made a statement on acts of sedition as supporters of Pres. Donald Trump violently trespassed, vandalized, and occupied the U.S. Capitol, following Pres. Trump telling attendees of his nearby rally to march on Congress in opposition to certifying the presidential election results.

“This was a sad day for our republic. Whether you call it insurrection, sedition, attempted coup, or domestic terrorism, what can’t be denied is that this invasion of the Capitol Building and attempt to overturn our presidential election results was an attack on our democratic process. 

"I would have thought it unthinkable that any group could so easily storm the halls of Congress, especially in a city used to protests. It is concerning to see that past Capitol protests were treated differently by the police compared to this mob. I hope it is not because of the political views and racial makeup of the protestors. If so, it is another sign of needed police reform.

"This mob was incited into an angry riot by Pres. Trump and others promoting baseless conspiracy theories and blatant lies about our election results. This type of behavior is decades in the making from the actions of demagogues and unethical leaders both subtly and overtly supporting intolerance and hate, totalitarianism, and far-right extremism - all for their own personal gain to maintain political power.

"We must come together to speak truth to power, condemn this mob and their leaders, and make certain there is accountability to the rioters and those who incited them. This includes the 147 members of Congress who voted to overturn the election results, with five Ohio Republican Congressmen unfortunately among them. It is now up to the rest of us, both public leaders and all Ohioans, to stand up for democracy, truth, and the America way. We cannot allow tyranny through lies, lawlessness, and violent force. I truly hope we can come back from this, and revive American exceptionalism. Onward together,” said Rep. Robinson.