Violence of any kind is, of course, to be condemned but the acts committed in Washington, D.C. on January 6 are seditious and without comparison in modern history.

To attack our nation’s Capitol in an attempt to stop the lawful transfer of power is not protest. It is not free speech. It is not civil disobedience. It is insurrection and it should be treated as such. All those who participated, supported, incited or encouraged this action should be brought to account and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This lawless behavior was the inevitable result of the failure of Republican leaders and elected officials to set an example and speak honestly about President Trump to members of their own party. Most did not have the courage of leaders like the late Senator John McCain to stand up to Trump. America has been diminished by their inaction and cowardice.

Past failures to bring those in power to account for their actions is why this happened. Failure to do so again will only invite further attempts to overthrow our democracy and destroy our nation.