ATLANTA — State leaders are not holding back in blasting the violence that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol.
Georgia’s governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the house gathered at the Georgia State Capitol to denounce the riots.
“That has been a disgrace and quite honestly un-American,” Gov. Brian Kemp said. “In Georgia we had peaceful protests all summer long, allowing people to let their voice be heard on an array of issues we had going on in our state and country. We certainly did not allow anarchy and we will not allow that now in the state of Georgia.”
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Channel 2 investigative reporter Justin Gray has been at the State Capitol all day following Georgia election runoff results and the news conference held on the D.C. violence.
At one point Wednesday, Gray saw Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and his staff rushed out of the State Capitol by security with extra troopers brought in to protect the governor and Secretary of State’s Office.
Kemp, Lt. Gov Geoff Duncan and Speaker David Ralston all made forceful statements denouncing the rioters and violence in Washington.
Kemp also announced he is extending an executive order that activates the Georgia National Guard through Monday and guard members will be called up as needed.
“For those of you that have been calling a special session, you can now see what that would of looked like. Rudy Giuliani saying trial by combat quote is simply outrageous and there is no place for that in our nation,” he added.
RELATED STORIES:
- Chaos at the Capitol: Congress evacuated, 1 person shot has died, curfew in effect, live updates
- Photos: Trump supporters storm U.S. Capitol
- Georgia lawmakers, officials condemn violent protests at U.S. Capitol
Supporters of President Donald Trump went to the U. S. Capitol to the Electoral College proceedings. The protests took a violent turn when dozens breached security perimeters at the Capitol and stormed the Rotunda.
At least one woman was shot and killed. Officials have not released how many people have been injured.
Duncan had harsh words not just for the people at the Capitol, but for Trump. He called on the president to forcefully and clearly demand that rioters leave the Capitol.
“Today is an incredibly sober reminder of how delicate our democracy truly is,” he said. “It is also a reminder of how dangerous it is when people in power act like they are more important than that democracy.”
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]