Washington State Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig (D-Spokane) released the following statement on Wednesday’s events in Washington D.C. and Olympia:
“We all have the right to protest, but we all also have a responsibility to not cross the line into intimidation or violence. Today at our state capital and in our nation’s capital, we have seen that line crossed. I condemn any violence, intimidation and destruction in the strongest terms possible.
“I ask all elected officials, at all levels and of every political affiliation to join me in denouncing today’s actions and to fully support a smooth and peaceful transition to the new democratically-elected administration. This was a fair and secure election. As elected officials and as Americans, we have a responsibility to uphold the will of the voters.
“I am glad to see prominent Republicans speaking out against today’s violence. I am disappointed, however, that it took violence at the United States Capitol Building for them to finally condemn what has been manifesting for years under this president and in recent weeks through the support of conspiracy theories designed to undermine our democracy.
“We must unite as Americans and as Washingtonians.”
