Mike Pence

Opening Remarks to the U.S. Senate Following Riot at the U.S. Capitol Building

delivered 6 January 2020, U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.C.

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[AUTHENTICITY CERTIFIED: Text version below transcribed directly from audio]

*The Senate will come to order.

The Vice President as President of the Senate would like to give a brief statement with the indulgence of the senators.*

Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol.

But thanks to the swift efforts of U.S. Capitol Police, federal, state, and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled, the Capitol is secured,  and the People’s work continues.

We condemn the violence that took place here in the strongest possible terms. We grieve the loss of life in these hallowed halls, as well as the injuries suffered by those who defended our Capitol today. And we will always be grateful to the men and women who stayed at their posts to defend this historic place.

To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today: You did not win.

Violence never wins.

Freedom wins.

And this is still the People’s House.

And as we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy. For even in the wake of unprecedented violence and vandalism at this Capitol, the elected Representatives of the People of the United States have assembled again, on the very same day, to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.

So may God bless the lost, the injured, and the heroes forged on this day.

May God bless all who serve here and those who protect this place.

And may God bless the United States of America.

Let’s get back to work.

Book/CDs by Michael E. Eidenmuller, Published by McGraw-Hill (2008)

* = text within asterisks absent from audio but confirmed as delivered

Original Audio/Video Source: C-SPAN.org

Page Created: 1/12/20

U.S. Copyright Status: Text = Public domain. Audio and Video = Property of AmericanRhetoric.com.