Select Board condemns attack by Trump-supporting mob on U.S. Capitol
The Select Board on Wednesday opened its interviews with three town administrator candidates with the following statement, read by Chair Peter Carlson in response to the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol in support of President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the election of Joe Biden:
“The Select Board denounces in the strongest possible terms the violence and destruction that took place at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. today.
“A house divided against itself cannot stand. If voting is the lifeblood of democracy then the peaceful transition of power is the beating heart of the republic. Without it, the principles upon which this nation are founded are destroyed.
“The free exchange of ideas is crucial to our democracy. The right to protest is embedded in our Constitution. But the destruction of the Capitol during the transition of power is not free speech or mere protest. It is insurrection. We are a nation of laws and attempts to impede the legal process through harassment, threats and intimidation are not worthy of any American who calls him or herself a Patriot.
“This Board calls on all Americans to reject the darker angels that call for violence, and recommit to national unity.
“May God Bless, and save, the United States.”
Grafton’s congressman, Jim McGovern, was forced to shelter in place in Congressional chambers during the siege and issued a statement calling for the removal of Trump from office:
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker also weighed in:
