Press Release: Councilmember Anita Bonds on Insurrection, Calls for Trump to be Removed from Office
News Release — At-large DC Council member Anita Bonds
For Immediate Release:
January 7, 2021
COUNCILMEMBER ANITA BONDS STATEMENT ON INSURRECTION AT U.S. CAPITOL
CALLS FOR TRUMP TO BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE
WASHINGTON, DC –
“Like many yesterday, I watched in shock, disbelief, sadness, and later outrage as thousands of mask-less pro-Trump supporters acting as insurgents and domestic terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol. Today, news reports indicate that the breach by the mob of white men, some recognized through social media by co-workers and friends who consider them law abiding citizens that would never tear down the walls of our sacred sanctuary of freedom and democracy upon which the American Republic is built. Well yesterday, they did it. Clearly, they overcame common sense, common respect for the differences of others, and commonality of love for our country, freedom and justice.
This unprecedented act is so bitter that even Trump’s Republican fans in the houses of Congress are finally saying “enough is enough is enough.” They might even support his impeachment as some have already begun looking to invoke the 25th Amendment. Clearly, President Trump must leave office now. In the words of Speaker Pelosi, “he is a very dangerous man” that many federal leaders are saying “he might do anything” during the next 12 days. One thing is clear, across the world he is spoken of as the manic leader of the most powerful country in the world. As a DC local public official, I am joining that chorus supporting his removal from office now! Those who emboldened and magnified his lies and deceits and those who breached the Capitol, shattered windows, burst through doors, ransacked offices, and stole during the chaos– they should be held accountable and prosecuted for their offenses.
“We look forward to a full investigation concerning the federal authorities’ initial inaction and failure to protect and secure the U.S. Capitol Compound, including understanding when local police assistance is needed and how and when the National Guard is mobilized. Moreover, we want the investigation to inform regarding the inadequate security preparations and subsequent “hands off” approach demonstrated by Capitol Police officers towards yesterday’s terrorists.”
“As a local DC official, I will not forget the cordial treatment that the Capitol insurgents received from the federal law enforcement personnel taking selfies with insurgents and escorting the mob from the halls of Congress, with nearly little incident. This was a big contrast to the treatment given protesters on the streets of the city, in particular the Black Lives Matter demonstrators on the plaza opposite the White House during the summer of 2020. This June’s first amendment protestors, Black Lives Matter activists, and social justice organizations were met with an armed federal response with troops and tanks on our streets. What the public witnessed was shameful, hurtful and highlights the discrimination against the people of DC that I work to serve every day.”
“On a positive note, I commend Mayor Muriel Bowser, Chief of Police Robert Contee, the men and women of the Metropolitan Police Department, and the many other DC personnel who served with distinction by supporting our federal partners and restoring order to the U.S. Capitol and the District within hours, allowing Congress to continue their constitutional duty to certify our Presidential election. We are proud of the service they rendered which makes it clear that we have the leadership and governance in place to obtain Statehood. If you have not already done so, please join the efforts to gain Statehood for DC.”
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