U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., is condemning the siege on the Capitol today by pro-Trump protesters.
Members of Congress were moved to secure locations when the violence began. Johnson’s staff shared an audio statement that he recorded.
Here is that statement in its entirety:
“Well, I’m safe, but it has been hard to see the United States Capitol overrun by people who crave violence. Capitol Police are doing everything they can, but they are overrun. This is just a terrible situation. Too many people have been sowing the seeds of anger and division, and this is what we get because of that. This is the tragic harvest, and it needs to stop.”
The offices of South Dakota Republican U.S. senators John Thune and Mike Rounds said the senators are also safe. They’ve issued no further statements so far.
Gov. Kristi Noem said in a tweet, “We are all entitled to peacefully protest. Violence is not a part of that. What’s happening in the Capitol right now must stop.”
-Contact SDPB reporter Seth Tupper by email.
