WASHINGTON, DC (WSAU) — Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District Representative was less than complimentary of those protesting the count of the Electoral College on Wednesday, which led to clashes with police and a lockdown of the US Capitol building.
“It’s a disappointment when today should be a day of celebration,” said Kind. “Celebration of the time-honored tradition of the peaceful transfer of power that makes our nation exceptional in the eyes of the world. Unfortunately, that has pulled up short today.”
Kind minced no words as to who’s to blame for Wednesday’s violence, quickly directing blame at President Trump. “A day before these demonstrations were supposed to take place [the President] was encouraging this type of activity- claiming it was going to be quote ‘wild.’
“There’s a certain role that’s expected of us elected officials. We have to be faithful to the Constitution, to the rule of law, due process, and the fairness that it brings; not encourage anarchy,” added Kind.
His frustrations with the day’s events were only magnified by a Zoom meeting he had earlier in the day with members of the European Parlament who expressed their concerns with the scenes coming out of America including the continued challenge of a valid, transparent election. “They were a gasp at how all that’s been thrown into doubt.”
Kind also pointed out that his 2020 General Election opponent, Derek Van Orden, was among those in the crowd.
“[He] was standing side by side with these hooligans during their assault on the Capitol. Very disappointing for him to be engaged in that activity.” Kind adds that he was following Van Orden’s Tweets and Facebook posts as he documented the incident. He also made numerous demands to Kind’s office for a “personal audience” with the Representative despite his current policy on holding virtual meetings due to the ongoing pandemic.
“He’s made it clear. He chose to stand next to the Proud Boys,” added Kind.
Van Orden did confirm he was in Washington on Wednesday but says he left the area of the Capitol as soon as protests started to turn violent saying “I will not be party to illegal acts.
“The violence that took place at the capital today disgraces [my military] service. I cannot express how deeply disgusted I am with this. I grieve for our Nation,” he added. “Any and all persons who commit these crimes should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Lawmakers did return to the Capitol after 7:00 PM CST to restart the process of counting and certifying the Electoral College. Shortly after the building was put on lockdown some Democrats including Minnesota’s Illian Omar and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul called for the immediate removal of President Trump from office after the votes are certified.
Kind made his comments on a Zoom call with Wisconsin media shortly after the Capitol was put on lockdown. He said he was safe but added he would not be giving ground to the protesters.
(Editors Note: This story has been updated to reflect comments made by Derek Van Orden on Twitter Wednesday evening, and to reflect that Congress reconvened Wednesday night to certify the vote)
