State Senator Jamie Eldridge on the attempted overthrow of federal government by Trump supporters and insurrection by President Trump

January 7th, 2021

I am outraged by the attempted interference in the results of our country’s democratic election that occurred this week, by thousands of insurrectionist supporters of President Donald Trump who attacked the U.S. Capitol buildings. Given that President Trump encouraged his loyalists to storm the Capitol, while refusing to change his rhetoric throughout the attempted takeover, which consisted of repeated lies about the democratic election ultimately fueling the rebellion, I believe that our nation’s elected leaders, of all political parties, should work to remove Donald Trump from public office immediately. 

This includes Vice President Pence and the Cabinet of the United States invoking Section 4 of the 25th Amendment to transmit to the Congress that President Donald J. Trump is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and Articles of Impeachment. By removing Donald Trump from office, not only would he be held accountable for his calls for insurrection, but this would prevent further damage to our nation’s constitution, protect the public safety of all Americans, and ensure a proper transition to our next President. I want to emphasize that to truly accomplish these goals, I believe that the Trump supporters who broke into the U.S. Capitol building with the intent of overthrowing the government or physically harming elected officials, their staff, law enforcement, or other residents of Washington, DC, should be held accountable by the judicial system.

Additionally, I want to emphasize that all Americans, especially those who continue to be supporters of Donald Trump, need to reflect on the stark discrepancy of treatment from law enforcement towards a predominately white group of insurrectionists breaking the law versus  diverse groups peacefully protesting for racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement. In my opinion, the entire world witnessed the disturbing power and benefits of white privilege. Americans, especially those who are elected officials or in other positions of power, cannot turn their hearts and minds away from this racially disparate treatment, and must embrace efforts to acknowledge, tackle, and tear down white supremacy and systemic racism within our own government, and institutions.

Lastly, I want to be clear that yesterday’s white supremacist mob violence will not stop the outcome of the November presidential election, where tens of millions of Americans expressed a clear demand for real change. Change must happen and needs to happen, not just by our next President, but at every level of government and society. If what we all witnessed does not move us to become catalysts for change advocating for justice, peace, and safety for all Americans, then I do not know what will. As we start this new session, I am eager to take immediate action and join hands with all interested constituents of the Middlesex and Worcester district, and throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to implement equitable solutions.