PHILADELPHIA, January 7, 2021 – Today, Councilmember Derek Green (At Large) issued a statement following the failed insurrection and catastrophic events that unfolded Wednesday at the Capitol:
“Today, I’m grappling with how to wrap my mind around what happened yesterday in Washington, D.C. To know that what we witnessed – the breaching of the U.S. Capitol and the desecration of the halls of Congress – was incited by our Commander-In-Chief, is absolutely despicable and disgusting.
This attempted coup, which sadly resulted in the deaths of 4 individuals, is the culmination of 4 years of false narratives, childish behavior, and a dereliction of duty on the part of President Donald J. Trump, who simply cannot stand the fact that he lost a free and fair election. It is unfathomable that the United States’ ability to uphold democracy is now questioned by world leaders and other governments who have long viewed us – the architects of democracy – as the shining global example.
This uprising comes on the heels of a year marred by inconceivable hardship and sadness due to an ongoing pandemic. On a day that should have been highlighted by historic new beginnings for our nation, notably the congressional certification of President-elect Joe Biden’s and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ win, as well as the monumental elections of Senators-elect Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia, I want to commend Vice President Mike Pence and the leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives for demanding that the work of the people take priority and resume after such a horrific incident.
The time to move forward and start the process of healing our country is now. What occurred in the U.S. Capitol can never be allowed to happen, ever again!”
