The following is a statement from American Promise President Jeff Clements regarding Tuesday’s insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Democracies that do not defend themselves die.

Yesterday, armed insurrectionists, incited by President Trump, sought to use violence, terror, and chaos to disrupt and destroy one of the most important functions in American or any functioning democracy: the recognition of the certified votes of the people and the peaceful transfer of power.

The orchestrated mob demonstrated utter contempt for the equal rights and the sacred vote of Americans, and for our system of government. They displayed complete disregard for the safety and dignity of others. Many brandished weapons and symbols of racist intimidation such as the Confederate flag and nooses in the American people’s seat of government.

These alarming events did not just spring up overnight. This is the violent and dangerous outcome of our failure as a nation to correct the toxic, corrupt, money- and disinformation-driven politics that have done so much damage. This is why we unite behind and commit to the hard work of making the American Promise a reality now, before it’s too late.

There are countless takeaways from the violence that erupted in Washington yesterday. Lots of questions that still need to be asked. Perpetrators need to be held accountable for the role they’ve played in one of the darkest chapters of American history. But as we take stock and seek remedies for our nation’s ailments, all of us at American Promise are inspired by you and the millions of Americans who are not content to watch the attacks on American democracy succeed, who are joining together to find common ground and work together in our communities and across the country for specific, fundamental and permanent Constitutional reform and civic renewal. Republicans, Democrats and Independent Americans around the country are standing together with American Promise.

Keep the faith.

Jeff Clements

President, American Promise