Rep. Lepore-Hagan statement on attempted coup

The following statement can be attributed to State Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown):

“As a public official and citizen of the United States and Ohio, I am absolutely outraged by this week’s attempted coup at our nation’s capital. Watching the attack unfold live on our TV during what should have been a traditional exercise and ceremony in counting the votes of all the states must be called what it is: domestic terrorism. 

Our Congressmen and women, the majority of whom are constitutionally supportive elected officials, were resigned to the nonsense of colleagues who have no idea what the constitution is. We’ve been lied to by Trump and other public officials who said that the election of Biden was a hoax.

Every public official at every level should answer this question: how did the attack on Congress and our democracy make you feel? Will you support invoking the 25th Amendment? Will you support impeachment? We deserve to know if our duly elected officials condemn or condone this President, his supporters, his lies, and his demagoguery that led them to break the law and who still support the actions of this president.

Being unprepared for a possible attack from violent white nationalists is made more painful when contrasted with the history of abuse of peaceful black protestors. One group hell bent on the destruction of our country is met with calm measure, while the other, determined to see us finally meet our call for justice and equality under the law, is met with violence and pain. 

I want to know, what safety precautions will be put in place to protect our employees and our visiting constituents when they visit the people's house here in Columbus? I want to see preparation and a plan for when we are also attacked by any organization of people who operate without facts and the truth.”