Florida members in the House and Senate are openly condemning the insurrection that transpired at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
Shortly after 1 p.m., pro-Trump supporters stormed the Capitol as Congress began certifying the Electoral College votes, breaching the doors and causing havoc in the House and Senate chambers. Both the House and Senate went into lockdown amid the chaos, with lawmakers being evacuated to safety.
The mob clashed with law enforcement officers in riot gear — eventually making their way into the establishment — and could be seen overtaking the floors, looting desks, and stealing hard drives from computers. A woman was also shot inside the Capitol, but it is still not known what led to the shooting.
With tensions still boiling over, political leaders on both sides of the aisle have come out to publicly denounce the anarchy that occurred today. GOP leaders in the Sunshine State, in particular, made their feelings known on Twitter.
Governor Ron DeSantis offered a swift rebuke of the riot, saying that those who participate in breaking the law should be brought to justice.
My statement from earlier today: pic.twitter.com/aoUN17dXi4
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 6, 2021
House Speaker Chris Sprowls agreed, calling today’s actions “repugnant” and “unacceptable.”
In a democracy, rioting, violence and lawlessness are repugnant and unacceptable. This isn’t a peaceful protest. It’s a tragic, cowardly and un-American spectacle.
— Chris Sprowls (@ChrisSprowls) January 6, 2021
Senate President Wilton Simpson also weighed in on the riots.
The right to protest is very important, but there is absolutely no excuse for attacking law enforcement and destroying property.
— Wilton Simpson (@WiltonSimpson) January 6, 2021
State Senator Manny Diaz Jr. joined his colleagues, condemning the violence and calling on people to speak out against the unlawful behavior.
Violence and destruction are not acceptable under any circumstance, While we may have grievances with the process or the result, We should all condemn violence & support the first amendment! 🇺🇸
— Manny Diaz Jr. (@SenMannyDiazJr) January 6, 2021