Western States Center Responds to Trump-Fueled Protest Violence in DC
Western States Center executive director Eric Ward issued the following statement:
“The current scene at the Capitol is a fitting end to the Trump era. This president has relentlessly fueled conspiracy theories and repeatedly spurred his supporters—including white nationalists and militia members—to violence. There is no excuse for throngs of Americans attacking the national seat of democracy in an effort to block the peaceful transfer of power. Blame rests squarely with Trump and his many enablers.
“Responsible elected officials should publicly condemn the attack on the Capitol and urge all protesters to peacefully exercise their First Amendment rights. The violence has to stop, and our elected leaders must lead. We can see that Trump is seeding extremism and political violence for years to come. It will take a concerted effort, particularly by responsible Republican and conservative leaders, to safeguard democracy and stave off bloodshed.”
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Based in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain States, Western States Center works nationwide to strengthen inclusive democracy through building movement, developing leaders, shifting culture, and defending democracy.