The storming of the U.S. Capitol by people unhappy with the outcome of November’s presidential election dishonors the legacy of America, Gov. Mark Gordon said Wednesday.
Gordon joined members of Wyoming’s congressional delegation in criticizing the actions of the group that broke into the Capitol earlier in the day, forcing the evacuation of the building.
“Interfering with the peaceful transfer of power is an affront to the very Constitution that has made our country what it is,” he said in a statement. “I believe America will not — cannot — stand for this assault on our democracy. I am heartbroken.”
An undetermined number of people described as supporters of President Donald Trump breached the security measures in place around the Capitol on Wednesday as members of Congress discussed certifying the results of the Electoral College vote from November’s presidential election.
The vote verifies the victory of Democrat Joe Biden, but Trump has raised allegations of voter fraud in six states.
The storming of the Capitol occurred after a rally where Trump spoke and encouraged Republican members of Congress to reject the Electoral College’s votes.
Gordon said he hoped the rest of the country would follow the example set by Wyoming in terms of peaceful political debate.
“I encourage the entire country to follow the example that we have demonstrated here in Wyoming, a proper and peaceful expression of dissent — the cornerstone of free speech,” his statement said.
