Latino Lawmakers: ‘The Domestic Terrorism’ in Nation’s Capitol Is ‘Trump's Fault Alone’

AP Photo/John Minchillo

By Araceli Cruz

January 6, 2021

Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) called the ambush by Trump supporters “a historically dangerous attack on our democracy incited by the violent rhetoric of a treacherous President.”

Latino lawmakers expressed outrage after Trump supporters invaded the US Capitol on Jan. 6 during the middle of the constitutional process to affirm the president-elect’s victory in the November election.

“Make no mistake,” Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-Texas) tweeted. “The domestic terrorism at the US Capitol by armed protestors is not only Trump’s fault alone. This is the result of leaders in the Republican Party fueling conspiracy, division, and hatred for years. And it won’t be fixed until they lose their office.”

RELATED: Hundreds of Domestic Terrorists Violently Storm Capitol Building in Attempted Coup Encouraged By Trump

As we were leaving, in an act of domestic terrorism, the doors to the chamber itself were breeched. For now I’m still hunkered down in what appears to be a safe location. When our Capitol is secured I will return to the chamber to fulfill our constitutional duty. (2/2)
— Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (@RepGonzalez) January 6, 2021

Angry Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building, and interrupting challenges to Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory. Trump issued a restrained call for peace, but did not call on his supporters to leave.

Rep. Castro also tweeted that Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who was speaking in the House chambers before protestors stormed in, “should resign from the United States Senate immediately.”

“We love you, you are very special”

These are @realDonaldTrump’s words to terrorists.
— Rep. Veronica Escobar (@RepEscobar) January 6, 2021

Rep. Darren Soto (D-Fla.) was also inside House chambers when chaos ensued and called the ambush by Trump supporters “a historically dangerous attack on our democracy incited by the violent rhetoric of a treacherous President.”

Rep. Norma Torres (D-Calif.) said the type of disorder happening in and around Capitol Hill by Trump supporters is the type of violence seen in third world countries.

I just interviewed @RepJuanVargas who is barricaded in his office with his staff ready to use flags as weapons. What world are we living in? @CBS8 @News8 pic.twitter.com/nzGzaPRhaA
— Shannon Handy (@ShannonNews8) January 6, 2021

“I immigrated from Guatemala to get away from violent attempts to dismantle democracy and the #RuleOfLaw,” Rep. Torres tweeted. “It’s extremely disturbing to see this happening in our country. But we cannot allow these insurrectionists define our democratic process.”

In a raucous, out-of-control scene, protesters fought past police and breached the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags as they marched through the halls. One person was shot at the Capitol and has since died, according to NBC News.

Praying for the safety of the Capitol Police and our nation. Hopefully we will resume the process of democracy soon. My staff and I are safe.
— Rep.Grace Napolitano (@gracenapolitano) January 6, 2021

While some senators were being evacuated, some House lawmakers tweeted they were sheltering in place in their offices. Demonstrators fought with Capitol Police and then forced their way into the building, not long after a huge rally near the White House, during which Trump egged them on to march to Capitol Hill.

I’m safe and sheltering in place. Thank you to folks reaching out.

The President of the United States incited a coup attempt.

It’s a dark day in America — but peace, democracy, and the rule of law will prevail.
— Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) January 6, 2021

Rep. Nanette D. Barragán (D-Calif.), who is still sheltering in place inside her office, blamed Trump.

“Police and emergency vehicles streaming toward the Capitol, but damage is already done. Trump has incited this violence and lawlessness. He, and all those breaking laws today, must be held accountable,” Rep. Barragán tweeted.

Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-Texas) also blamed Trump and said that Wednesday’s riot would not have progressed to that level of violence had the protestors been people of color.

It’s horrible that this is America. This is the United States of America and this is what we have to go through. @realDonaldTrump has called on homegrown terrorists to come to the Capitol and invalidate people’s votes.https://t.co/9ouXzSTGpa
— Rep. Norma Torres (@NormaJTorres) January 6, 2021

“If they were Black or Brown, they would have been slaughtered. The History of this nation,” Rep. Espaillat tweeted. “This is unacceptable. Donald Trump is to blame.