LYNCHBURG, Va. – The images of chaos at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday are more than 24 hours old, but still fresh in Virginia lawmakers’ minds.
“You should have the opportunity to protest. You have the right to petition your elected officials; but the violence is inexcusable,” said Republican Congressman Morgan Griffith, who represents Virginia’s 9th district.
Democratic Senator Tim Kaine holds President Trump accountable for the violence.
“This Trump-inspired riot yesterday will be his legacy,” said Kaine.
Meanwhile, Democratic Senator Mark Warner is calling for action after a lack of response by law enforcement and how protesters were able to make their way inside.
“Our country needs a full and thorough investigation of what went wrong,” said Warner.
Kaine is frustrated and fed up.
“I had colleagues who were sad. I was just pissed off. I was so pissed off that this is what it’s come to with [President Trump] and with this country at this moment in time,” said Kaine.
But Griffith says even after the chaos, Congress had a duty to continue the ceremonial count.
“It is bad enough when you have people who do the crazy, inexcusable things they did yesterday; but when people feel like they can’t even have their elected officials heard on the issue, that makes it even worse,” said the Republican congressman.
Moving forward, Warner promises to hold people accountable.
“I will do everything in my power to make sure there are consequences.”
Warner and Kaine are among several legislators calling on Vice President Mike Pence and the cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment and remove the president.