Democratic lawmakers plan to introduce resolution condemning violent U.S. Capitol insurrection

COLUMBUS — State Reps. Bride Rose Sweeney (D-Cleveland) and Beth Liston (D-Dublin) today highlighted their intent to introduce a resolution condemning the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 6. In a cosponsor request to House members last week, the Democratic lawmakers called the resolution “an opportunity to offer a clear and bipartisan rebuke of this assault on American democracy and the rule of law.” The deadline to cosponsor has now been extended twice in order to give Republican lawmakers every opportunity to sign on in support.

“The attack on the U.S. Capitol should transcend our polarized politics. Regardless of party, everyone entrusted with public office has a moral imperative to denounce this violent attempt to derail American democracy,” said Rep. Sweeney. “I implore my colleagues in the Majority to join us in telling Ohioans this is not what America is or ought to be. 

Words matter, and for elected officials across Ohio, silence itself can also be a statement.”

The resolution would unequivocally condemn the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 in which five Americans were killed, including Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick. More than 50 other police officers were injured in the attack. 

“Mob violence is shameful and has no place in our country. We decide things by voting, not by threats, intimidation, and domestic terrorism,” said Rep. Liston. 

To date, every Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives has co-sponsored the resolution. Similar legislation has been introduced in the Ohio Senate.