Keystone Today

Pennsylvania House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff and Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler have issued a joint statement calling for a peaceful power transition.

"Any act of violence or destruction is a crime and should be treated as such. Peaceful transitions of power are something our country has responsibly proceeded with since our founding and should serve as an inspiration to the rest of the world,” read the statement as published by Fox43.

Benninghoff and Cutler then encouraged peaceful objection to election results as has always been the culture in the past.

“An objection to the electoral process is within the rights of members of Congress and has been exercised by members from both sides of the aisle at different times in our nation’s history. However, that process leads to debate and dialogue, not violence and mayhem. We strongly condemn any act of violence and destruction and pray for all those impacted today.” 

The attack on the U.S. Capitol occurred as federal lawmakers were gearing up to count the Electoral College votes and officially declare President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the general election last November.

Protestors stormed the Capitol Building and were able to make their way into the building, where they ended up shattering window panes in doors and eventually made their way into the House chamber.

Following these violent protests, Benninghoff told House Republican employees that work in the capitol to work from home.

Many GOP lawmakers and leaders have castigated the violence and announced publicly their change of heart as far as objecting is concerned.

Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Rep. R-Wash, released her statement regarding the riot.

“What we have seen today is unlawful and unacceptable. I have decided I will vote to uphold the Electoral College results and I encourage Donald Trump to condemn and put an end to this madness,” Rodgers said, according to CNBC.

Initially she wanted to object over election procedures that were changed without the people’s will. Almost 15 hours after the start of the congress session, Biden was officially declared winner on Jan. 7, after 3 a.m.