As America watched a dramatic scene unfold in the nation’s capitol today, a number of leaders have responded to the violence perpetrated on the U.S. Capitol building, including Congressman Fred Upton who was ordered to shelter in place in the middle of the attack on the building. 
Upton issued a Tweet regarding his status, saying: “I am safe and sheltered in place. Horrified and shell-shocked by the violence of rioters trying to undo the constitutional transfer of power. @RealDonaldTrump , for the sake of our nation and safety of our people, tell your supporters to stand down and leave town.”
Meanwhile, back at home in Michigan, Watervliet State Representative Pauline Wendzel released this statement: “Partisan disagreements are inevitable and fundamental to our democracy. Using violence to convey those disagreements is simply despicable and un-American. I wholeheartedly condemn the actions by those inciting violence in the name of patriotism at our nation’s Capitol and these protests must stop immediately. America, we’re better than this.”
Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former Republican Governor Rick Snyder joined one another today in calling for national unity:
Whitmer said: “What is unfolding today in our nation’s capital is truly appalling. Violence, vandalism, and insurrection have no place in this great country of ours. We are a nation of laws, not mobs.”
Snyder concurred, saying: “While we come from different backgrounds and political parties, Governor Whitmer and I share a deep love for our country,” and adds, “We must always remember that we are Americans first, and we are not one another’s enemy. That’s why I join with Governor Whitmer in calling on people of goodwill across America to pray for peace, calm, and healing.”
Whitmer concluded: “Now is the time to put this election behind us once and for all. We must unify as one nation to defeat our real enemy, which is the pandemic that has taken far too many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. As Americans, there is no problem we can’t solve, and no challenge we can’t meet. Let’s all stay safe. Let’s take care of each other. And let’s move forward together, as one United States of America.”
Michigan Freedom Fund Executive Director Tony Daunt also denounced the attack on the American seat of government and demanded that President Donald Trump and Republican elected officials who have “spread lies and conspiracy theories about stolen elections” immediately de-escalate the violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol.
Daunt says: “The violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by President Trump’s supporters is heartbreaking and it is criminal. The Michigan Freedom Fund strongly supports the work of law enforcement and the National Guard to reclaim the seat of government from this lawless mob.
“Today’s assault on our institutions of government – and on ordered liberty – is an outgrowth of the rhetoric, lies, and conspiracies spread by the President and other elected Republicans who’ve falsely and feverishly claimed November’s election was stolen. Their actions over the last two months have today produced disastrous and violent consequences.
“The President and these officials bear an out-sized responsibility today to de-escalate the violence, restore order at the U.S. Capitol, and to hold their supporters criminally responsible for their assault on our republic. They must take this responsibility seriously, and do so immediately.”
