Arizona politicians react to election riots at US Capitol

Jan 6, 2021, 1:58 PM | Updated: 4:35 pm

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: Members of congress run for cover as protesters try to enter the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

BY DANNY SHAPIRO

KTAR.com

PHOENIX — Arizona politicians on both sides of the aisle made their thoughts known Wednesday as riots unfolded at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., while the certification of the Electoral College vote was underway.

Republicans and Democrats alike condemned the actions of the rioters, who broke into the Capitol and disrupted the constitutional process to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s win over Donald Trump.

Republican Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey called for the riots to end immediately.

“In America, we practice peaceful transitions of power. We respect the law and law enforcement,” Ducey tweeted. “The scene at the United States Capitol right now is wrong and has no place in our form of government. All should denounce, and it should end now.”

Former Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Gaydos and Chad Show that the scene that unfolded at the Capitol was “disturbing.”

“Peaceful protesting is one thing but rushing the House and Senate chambers is absolutely not peaceful,” Brewer said.

“What do they actually expect to happen when they behave that way? It’s absolutely so despicable and disappointing and so wrong to see that happening in our United States Capitol.”

Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar, who issued an objection to Arizona’s Electoral College votes earlier Wednesday, also called for the riots to end.

“Ok. I said let’s do an audit. Let’s not get carried away here. I don’t want anyone hurt,” Gosar tweeted. “We are protesting the violation of our laws. We are builders not destroyers.”

Gosar was speaking, challenging the validity of Arizona’s certified results, when the proceedings were halted because of rioters entering the Capitol.

Several lawmakers from Arizona tweeted that they were safe.

I am safe.

— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) January 6, 2021

I am safe. Democracy is not. We need national guard to clear the Capitol so we can continue with our jobs.

— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) January 6, 2021

My staff and I are safe. This is a dark day in American history.

— Rep. Tom O'Halleran (@RepOHalleran) January 6, 2021

Other Arizona political figures tweeted their disdain for the riots in the nation’s capital.

That included former Republican U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake and Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly.

“In America, we have fair elections and peaceful transfers of power; democracy prevails over chaos; and those who commit violent acts are held accountable,” Kelly tweeted. “That won’t change today. This unpatriotic attempt to overturn our election – and silence the voices of Arizonans – will fail.”

In America, we have fair elections and peaceful transfers of power; democracy prevails over chaos; and those who commit violent acts are held accountable. That won’t change today. This unpatriotic attempt to overturn our election – and silence the voices of Arizonans – will fail.

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) January 6, 2021

Remain peaceful? This is not a peaceful protest! You have the power to stop them, Mr President. Tell them to leave the Capitol! https://t.co/wGS7K2yZmS

— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) January 6, 2021