Kentucky politicians react to chaos at the capitol in Washington, D.C.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ)- The Kentucky Republican Party and other politicians are condemning the protests.

“Today’s events at the U.S. Capitol are tragic, outrageous and devastating.  They are wholly inconsistent with the fundamental values of our constitutional Republic.  The United States is an exceptional nation because we resolve our differences peacefully—through the ballot box, the courts and our democratic institutions—not through violence.  What is happening at the Capitol is NOT who we are as a nation, it needs to stop NOW.  I pray for peace, unity and the brave men and women of the Capitol Hill Police, the Washington DC Police and peaceful protesters in harms way.  May God bless our country,” Congressman Andy Barr said.

“We denounce the angry mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol today and condemn them in the strongest possible terms. Violence is never acceptable and has no place in our Democracy. The individuals engaged in this criminal behavior are dangerous and destructive and should be held fully accountable. We want to thank the brave men and women of law enforcement who are protecting our leaders and pray for a quick and peaceful end to this situation.” – Republican Party of Kentucky Chairman Mac Brown

“At this time, my staff and I are safe and I am in an undisclosed location after evacuating the House floor when protestors made their way inside the Capitol. The outrageous rioting and violence taking place at the Capitol Building is completely unacceptable and not who we are as a nation of law and order. Mob violence is wrong regardless of political affiliation,” Congressman James Comer said.

“Violence is never the answer. As my staff and I safely shelter in place, I am appalled to see Americans storming the Capitol in an effort to disrupt our very foundation of democracy. I believe every voice should be heard, but violent methods fall on deaf ears. I adamantly denounce the violence taking place in Washington, and threatening the lives of innocent individuals. We must maintain law and order in this country,” Congressman Hal Rogers said. 

“I wrote a speech today. I was planning to say I fear the chaos of establishing a precedent that Congress can overturn elections. Boy, was I right. Chaos. Anarchy. It’s wrong and un-American. The vote we are about to cast is important. Now more than ever. The question is: Should Congress override the certified results from the states and nullify the states’ right to conduct elections? The vote today is not a protest; the vote today is literally to overturn the election! Voting to overturn state-certified elections would be the opposite of what states’ rights Republicans have always advocated for. This would doom the electoral college forever. It was never intended by our founders that Congress have the power to overturn state-certified elections. My oath to the Constitution doesn’t allow me to disobey the law. I cannot vote to overturn the verdict of the states. Such a vote would be to overturn everything held dear by those of us who support the rights of states in this great system of federalism bequeathed to us by our founders. The electoral college was created to devolve the power of selecting presidential electors to the states. The electoral college is, without question, an inseparable friend to those who believe that every American across our vast country deserves to be heard. If Congress were given the power to overturn the states’ elections . . . what terrible chaos would ensue. Imagine the furor against the electoral college if Congress becomes a forum to overturn states’ electoral college slates. It is one thing to be angry. It is another to focus one’s anger in a constructive way. That hasn’t happened today, to say the least. We simply cannot destroy the Constitution, our laws, and the electoral college in the process. I hope as the nation’s anger cools, we can channel that energy into essential electoral reforms in every state. America is admired around the world for our free elections. We must, we absolutely must, fix this mess and restore confidence and integrity to our elections,” Senator Rand Paul wrote. 

A statement from Gov. Beshear on the events unfolding at the United States Capitol: pic.twitter.com/C4mDMluauu

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) January 6, 2021

“Today’s actions at the U.S. Capitol are sickening and despicable. Violence, destruction, and looting are not the strategies of patriots but the weapons of anarchists. They are the tools used to limit democracy in nations across the globe and will not be tolerated in the United States of America. After this situation is resolved, we must look back and determine what brought us here and find a path forward paved with respect,” Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne said.

“We join those of good conscience across the nation in sending our prayers for the safety of First Responders, Capitol Police, and members of Congress and their staff who, in showing up to carry out one of the most important duties of Congress, the certification of electors, have had their lives unnecessarily put in danger by an anarchist mob hellbent on tearing down the fabric of our democracy to save the ego of one man.

There is no excuse for this display of violence and this lack of respect for our nation. All leaders, regardless of party, should not only denounce these actions but reaffirm that in the United States of America, we do not storm capitols with weapons when election results don’t turn out how we want them to.

For 243 years our nation has held the peaceful transition of power as a north star of our republic. In this dark hour, we cannot abandon our ideals. As Americans, we share a collective responsibility to reject terrorism, whether it is foreign or domestic. Today is a day that domestic terrorists have sought to hold our nation hostage, and we will not bend.

Again, we ask all Kentuckians to, in the spirit of your own faith walk, lift up our nation in prayer today and every day. May God see us through this terrorizing moment and keep us united to preserve our republic for generations to come. And for parents who like my wife and I may have to explain today’s events around the dinner table, let your children know it is ok to worry and to even be scared, but America is strong, our values are true, and even in this darkness, we shall overcome,” Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge said.

“The events that occurred today in Washington, D.C. were tragic and should have never happened. This deplorable act of violence that took place at the Capitol Building should be condemned by all,” Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said.

“What happened today in Washington, D.C., is not who we are or what we stand for as a nation.  We condemn these acts and any plans to undermine our constitutional protections.  It’s time we unite as Americans and send a strong message that acts of violence will not be tolerated.”  — House and Senate Democratic Leaders Joni Jenkins and Morgan McGarvey

“The United States Senate will not be intimidated. We will not be kept out of this chamber by thugs, mobs, or threats. We will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation. We are back at our posts. We will discharge our duty under the Constitution for our nation. And we are going to do it tonight. This afternoon, Congress began the process of honoring the will of the American people and counting the Electoral College votes. We have fulfilled this solemn duty every four years for more than two centuries. Whether our nation has been at war or at peace, under all manner of threats, even during an ongoing armed rebellion and Civil War, the clockwork of our democracy has carried on. The United States and the United States Congress have faced down much greater threats than the unhinged crowd we saw today.  We have never been deterred before and we will not be deterred today. They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed. This failed attempt to obstruct the Congress, this failed insurrection, only underscores how crucial the task before us is for our Republic. Our nation was founded precisely so that the free choice of the American people is what shapes our self-government and determines the destiny of our nation. Not fear. Not force. But the peaceful expression of the popular will. We assembled this afternoon to count our citizens’ votes and formalize their choice of the next president. Now we are going to finish what we started. We will complete this process the right way, by the book. We will follow our precedents, our laws, and our Constitution to the letter. And we will certify the winner of the 2020 presidential election. Criminal behavior will never dominate the United States Congress. This institution is resilient.Our democratic republic is strong. The American people deserve nothing less,” Senator Mitch McConnell said.

You can read reactions from local residents HERE.