WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s incitement of an armed insurrection against the United States of America.

“On January 6, the President provoked an insurrection at the U.S. Capitol as Members of the House and Senate met to formally recognize the results of the 2020 election. After months of fomenting anger and division and trafficking in conspiracy theories meant to maintain his grasp on power, the President of the United States called on his supporters to go to the U.S. Capitol, resulting in an act of domestic terrorism. As people throughout the Capitol sheltered, police struggled to regain control, and far-right extremists brought terror and destruction to the U.S. Capitol, the President of the United States made no effort to stop the attack he had incited – and instead, he told rioters he loved them.

“I was in the House Chamber when the attack occurred. I witnessed firsthand the results of the President’s anti-democratic and un-American efforts to maintain control at any cost, and as a consequence of his efforts, he must be removed from office. The removal of a sitting President is a grave action that should not be taken lightly. However, the President’s ongoing – and unchecked – quest to subvert our democracy, thwart the will of the people, and instigate violence requires immediate action. I call on Vice President Pence and the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to protect our country. However, if the Vice President fails to act, it will become necessary for every Member of Congress bound by our constitutional oaths to take further action. If we refuse to respond to a U.S. President inciting an uprising against our democracy, we risk losing it forever.”

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