Congressman Chris Smith, the longest serving member of the House of Representatives in New Jersey history, issued the following statement condemning the criminal acts of violence at the United States Capitol today:
“I unequivocally condemn the assault on the Capitol today and those who committed violence, vandalism and other crimes should be prosecuted to the greatest extent of the law.
Special thanks to the Capitol Police for their brave and decisive actions to mitigate and then end today’s crisis.
Despite its many flaws, the U.S. Congress continues to be an extraordinary marketplace of ideas and differing opinions.
The enactment of wise public policy to benefit all Americans requires robust dialogue and debate—and genuine respect for one another even, and especially, when there is fundamental disagreement.
We must be committed to zero-tolerance towards violence in any form.”
Read online here.