Washington, D.C. –  Following the deadly January 6 insurrection encouraged by Donald Trump and Republican members of Congress,  People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, along with House Republican leaders Rep. Kevin McCarthy and Rep. Steve Scalise, played an unprecedented role in attempting to overturn a free and fair election. While Cruz and Hawley were the Senate ringleaders, House Minority Leader McCarthy and Whip Scalise utterly betrayed their oaths of office by encouraging scores of members of their caucus to reject the Electoral College results. The actions and rhetoric of all four of these individuals were antithetical to our democratic system of government and helped stoke the mob insurrection at the Capitol on January 6. As if that were not repugnant enough, Hawley and Cruz sent out fundraising emails while the deadly violence was playing out – revealing the naked ambition and self-interest that motivate their actions. Since they do not have the decency to resign, then at a minimum, these four must face official censure by their respective chambers. Meanwhile, we continue to call for criminal prosecution of those who committed violence at the Capitol, and investigation of potential criminal liability for those who promoted and incited the riot — up to and including Donald Trump.”

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About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.