(WWJ) In a show of solidarity, Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer and former Republican Governor Rick Snyder joined one another Wednesday in calling for national unity.
"What is unfolding today in our nation's capital is truly appalling. Violence, vandalism, and insurrection have no place in this great country of ours. We are a nation of laws, not mobs," Whitmer said, after a crowd of Donald Trump supporters rushed the U.S. Capitol, forcing lockdowns and bringing an abrupt halt to congressional proceedings.
"While we come from different backgrounds and political parties, Governor Whitmer and I share a deep love for our country," Snyder said. "We must always remember that we are Americans first, and we are not one another's enemy. That's why I join with Governor Whitmer in calling on people of goodwill across America to pray for peace, calm, and healing."
"Now is the time to put this election behind us once and for all," Whitmer added. "We must unify as one nation to defeat our real enemy, which is the pandemic that has taken far too many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones. As Americans, there is no problem we can't solve, and no challenge we can't meet. Let's all stay safe. Let's take care of each other. And let's move forward together, as one United States of America."
Whitmer later posted a video message, addressing the what she called an attempted coup. "And I am hopeful that people of goodwill on both side of the aisle will join me in calling for calm and peace," she said.
In a video message of his own, President Donald Trump continued to assert that he won the November election in a "landslide" and the election was "stolen," but told his supporters to stand down anyway.
He stressed the importance of "law and order" and said "we don't want anybody hurt."
Officials have since declared the US Capitol "secure" nearly four hours after a mob of pro-Trump occupiers disrupted lawmakers' counting of Electoral College votes certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win.
Just before 6 p.m., police were using tear gas and percussion grenades to clear crowds from the grounds of the U.S. Capitol ahead of a curfew in Washington.
