Today marks a dark day in America’s history. The words of the President of the United States matter. Donald Trump’s serial lies and inflammatory rhetoric incited the armed insurgents who stormed the U.S. Capitol today. He encouraged this attempted coup and the violence that ensued is a result of his recklessness. After four years of his consistent efforts to discredit our democratic institutions, President Trump and his allies have brought us to this sad place in our nation’s history. I am grateful for the many prayers, calls, texts, and emails that my staff and I continue to receive concerning our safety and well-being. Thankfully, we are safe now. I was in the gallery of the House chamber watching the election certification proceedings when the security breach occurred. As I was lying on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives huddled with other members of Congress, struggling to fit on a tear gas mask and fearing the thunderous sound of impending violence, I trembled and wept not only for our safety but for the devastating threat to our democracy. Our democracy is under unprecedented assault. These domestic terrorists do not represent America, our democracy, or the values of our nation. As elected officials, we must set aside our political differences and work together for the common good, remembering that our loyalty is not to a political party or to an individual but to the Constitution and the oath that we swore to protect and defend our democracy. The U.S. Congress will not be deterred or intimidated by this insurrection and violence. We will carry out our constitutional duty to certify the Electoral College results tonight and, on January 20, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as the President and Vice President of the United States.