Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) today released the following statement on yesterday’s domestic terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol complex:

“In the United States of America, we discuss our differences through sometimes passionate debate and discourse, not mob violence. Just as I condemned the looting and rioting that swept through our nation last year, I am condemning, in the strongest terms possible, yesterday’s events at the U.S. Capitol complex. 

“The actions yesterday by those who breached the U.S. Capitol are the very definition of domestic terrorism. There are no excuses for attacking law enforcement, breaking barricades, shattering windows, and busting down doors to gain entry. Anyone who was complicit in these acts of domestic terrorism should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This act of insurrection cannot go unpunished.

“The Capitol Police work each and every day to protect members of Congress, staff, and these hallowed halls. Yesterday was no different. Many were hurt while on the frontlines of the rioting, and some suffered serious injuries requiring hospitalization. Our prayers are with all of the officers, and we wish them all a swift and full recovery. 

“This assault on our Capitol should have never happened. We need a thorough investigation of how and why it did. We must immediately take all the security steps necessary so that something like this will never happen again.

“Perhaps most importantly, our nation needs prayers to help heal the deep divides that threaten the future of our representative democracy. We are all Americans first. And as Americans, I have to believe we are all better than this.”