WHEREAS, on January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol was the site of a violent riot; and
WHEREAS, the assault disrupted a session of the United States Congress and delayed the ceremonial certification of the Electoral College vote; and
WHEREAS, violent means were used to gain entry into the U.S. Capitol, resulting in deaths, injuries, and substantial damage; and
WHEREAS, 6 people died as a result of the violent actions, including Capitol Police officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood; and
WHEREAS, more than 50 law enforcement officers sustained injuries as a result of the violence; and
WHEREAS, Delawareans courageously serving in our National Guard have been dispatched to protect the U.S. Capitol and our democracy; and
WHEREAS, the assault represents one of the most significant security breaches of the U.S. Capitol in United States history; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the assault was to physically halt the constitutional process by preventing duly elected representatives from fulfilling their constitutional duties; and
WHEREAS, the assault on January 6, 2021, is to be distinguished from the constitutionally protected rights that all United States citizens have to peaceably assemble, speak, and redress grievances; and
WHEREAS, the level of violence during the assault was a direct consequence of incendiary words that are not constitutionally protected, as they are intended to incite, and in fact did incite, an immediate breach of the peace; and
WHEREAS, since the tragic events of January 6, 2021, the potential for continued violence has reached beyond the U.S. Capitol to all 50 state capitals, with actionable intelligence causing each state, including Delaware, to deploy enhanced security measures to protect its capitol through and beyond Inauguration Day; and
WHEREAS, this tragic event must serve as a reminder to all that the words of those in public service have the power to incite as well as the power to soothe, inspire, and promote peace and order.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 151st General Assembly of the State of Delaware, that it condemns the violence and the assault that occurred at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives condemns the extreme and dishonest rhetoric that created the environment that led to the riot at the U.S. Capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives commits to peaceful, thoughtful, and respectful discourse among its members and with the citizenry.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives expresses its gratitude for the service of the members of the Delaware National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C. to protect and uphold the peaceful transfer of power.
