Oklahoma's congressional delegation comment on US Capitol riot

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Here are statements from all members of Oklahoma's congressional delegation, with the exception of Sen. Inhofe, regarding the vandalism and rioting that took place at (and inside) the U.S. Capitol in the aftermath of a rally held on the National Mall by President Trump and his campaign:

Hern statement on attack of the US Capitol, objection to Electoral College results

Washington, DC, January 7, 2021 | Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01) released the following statement after supporting the objection of the electors from the states of Pennsylvania and Arizona.

“This was a sad day in our nation’s history,” said Rep. Hern. “Our Capitol building has been a symbol of American freedoms and democracy around the world, yet it was invaded by law breakers seeking to undermine our republican form of government and erode those ideals. There is no excuse for the violent actions witnessed in the halls of Congress. This summer, when Antifa rioters burned American cities to the ground and held Portland hostage for over 100 days, I called for the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those involved. I consider the crimes committed at the Capitol today to be of the same magnitude, and I support the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those involved in the violent acts to the full extent of the law.

“Despite the disruptive and dangerous acts of criminal rioters, I will not back down.  The actions of those bad actors do not change the facts and questions surrounding the 2020 presidential election. I have a duty to stand firm with the millions of Americans across the country who share deep and legitimate concerns about the integrity of our election system and the unconstitutional changes to the election laws in certain states during the presidential election.”

Rep. Hern continued, “This objection is important, regardless of who lives in the White House, because the sanctity of our elections is critical to the function of our government. This is not about any one man, or any one party. Nor is this unprecedented – Democrats in Congress have objected to the certification of electoral college votes over concerns with election integrity in multiple elections over the past few decades. This debate was about protecting our sacred right to vote and ensuring the security of our elections.

“America has always been an inspiration to democracies around the world, yet millions of our own citizens have lost faith in the validity of their votes. We owe it to the American people to ensure without a shadow of a doubt that our elections are safe from fraud and have not been influenced by nefarious actors – whether foreign or domestic. I remain committed to working in Congress to take actions within our authority to protect our future elections.”

Congressman Mullin:

Yesterday was a dark day for our country but I am grateful for the law enforcement officers, especially those with the U.S. Capitol Police and Sergeant at Arms, who put their lives on the line to keep people safe. pic.twitter.com/5NAAmxbmq2

— Markwayne Mullin (@RepMullin) January 7, 2021

This, from Congressman Lucas, was during the action:

My staff and I are safe inside the Capitol Complex. I thank the Capitol Police who are risking their safety to protect my colleagues and our staff.

I unequivocally condemn the violence and riots seen today in and around the Capitol, and I pray for the restoration of peace.

— Frank Lucas (@RepFrankLucas) January 6, 2021

Cole Condemns Lawless Protests at U.S. Capitol

Washington, D.C. (January 6, 2021) – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following the statement condemning the actions of protesters who forcefully entered the United States Capitol today. 

“I am outraged by the lawless protests that unfolded at the United States Capitol today. While Americans have the right to passionately voice their views and peacefully dissent in protest, I strongly condemn the perpetrators of this destructive and violent activity. Such shameful behavior runs contrary to upholding and respecting the constitutional rule of law and threatens the preservation of our great Republic. This is not the American way.

“During a dangerous and frightening situation, I am incredibly grateful for the diligence and bravery of law enforcement, including the U.S. Capitol Police, risking their lives to keep members and staff safe.”

Bice Statement on Yesterday's Actions

Washington, D.C. (January 7, 2021) - Congresswoman Stephanie Bice released the following statement regarding yesterday's actions at the Capitol:

What happened inside our nation's Capitol yesterday was not a reflection of who we are as a country. Peaceful protests are the foundation of this nation, but yesterday’s acts were far from a peaceful demonstration. I do not condone what these rioters have done, and I hope to see them prosecuted to the full extent of the law. 

Many have questioned my decision to support challenging states’ electoral college votes. Let me be clear - my vote represented my desire to ensure the security of elections across the country, not to overturn an election. Any other reason for my support of challenging the certification of the votes is categorically false. 

You may remember, Oklahoma's election laws were jeopardized last year due to a Supreme Court decision to strike the notary requirement for absentee ballots. Had Oklahoma's legislature not been in session to reinstitute the notary requirement, many would question the integrity of our state's elections. Judicial or Executive decrees should not determine how elections are administered, state legislatures have that responsibility.  

Thank you to those who prayed for our safety or reached out to confirm our wellbeing. I am incredibly thankful for the US Capitol Police and other coordinated law enforcement for their heroic efforts to ensure the safety of me and my staff. We are shaken but not deterred in our duty to continue the work for the people of the 5th District.

Lankford Condemns Violent, Destructive Protests at Capitol on Senate Floor

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today spoke during debate on certification of the electoral votes to condemn the acts of violence and destruction at the Capitol complex today as a mob of protestors stormed the Capitol building. Lankford also issued a joint statement this evening with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) on the election certification process and the need for attention to address concerns of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election from Oklahomans and around the nation.

Transcript (video)

The Vice President said things more eloquently than how we say it in Oklahoma. In Oklahoma we’d say something like, ‘Why in God’s name would someone think attacking law enforcement and occupying the United States Capitol is the best way to show you’re right? Why would you do that?’ Rioters and thugs don’t run the Capitol. We’re the United States of America. We disagree on a lot of things, and we have a lot of spirited debate in this room. But we talk it out, and we honor each other—even in our disagreement. That person, that person, that person is not my enemy. That’s my fellow American. And while we disagree on things—and disagree strongly at times—we do not encourage what happened today. Ever.

Now, I want to join my fellow Senators in saying thank you to the Capitol Hill Police, the law enforcement, the National Guard, and the Secret Service, who stood in harm’s way. While we were here debating, they were pushing back. And I was literally interrupted mid-sentence, speaking here because we were all unaware of what was happening right outside this room, because of their faithfulness and because of what they have done. And I want to thank them.

Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” Peaceful people in my state in Oklahoma want their questions answered, but they don’t want this, what happened today. They want to do the right thing, and they also want to do it the right way. They want to honor the constitutional process, but they also want to have a debate about election security because they want to make sure it’s right, which is why it’s an important issue that needs to be resolved. Transparency in government just doesn’t seem like a bad idea.

Obviously the commission that we have asked for is not going to happen at this point, and I understand that, and we’re headed towards tonight, towards the certification of Joe Biden to be the President of the United States. And we will work together in this body to be able to set a peaceful example in the days ahead.