Newark Mayor Says 'Abolish Electoral College' Amid Capitol Riots

Newark NJ

07 January, 2021

2:28 PM

Description

NEWARK, NJ —It was "hate and fear in its purest form," according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. Seeking to halt the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States, supplanting Donald Trump, protesters stormed their way into the Capitol in a violent siege. READ MORE: Trump Supporters Breach Locked Down Capitol; 1 Shot In Melee Elected officials across New Jersey, including Mayor Baraka, were quick to speak up and condemn the violence. Baraka released the following statement about Wednesday's events: "What we witnessed yesterday was hate and fear in purest form. It was truly a sad day as our fight for democracy, freedom, and Constitution came under siege. Our nation fervently watched attacks on our members of Congress. They were barricaded in the U.S. Capitol and held hostage only for the mere reason that democracy was upheld." Baraka continued: "Make no mistake: President-Elect Biden won the election not by a small margin but by 9 million votes. The people have spoken. He won the Electoral College by a tally of 306 to 232. Those votes have been certified by the states, upheld by all the federal courts, including the Supreme Court, and were confirmed last night by Congress. However, what we have known for some time and what last night has certainly proven is that the Electoral College is our biggest obstacle to a true democracy. There has never been anything right with it. I stand for the abolishment of this outdated and undemocratic practice and further call upon every elected official that believes in the future freedoms of our civilization to continue to condemn yesterday's atrocities." The mayor added: "Even if we do not like the outcomes of the election, terroristic attacks of white supremacy on our nation's shores resulted in the shooting of a woman and anarchy. We must end the hatred dividing our country and arrest the criminals responsible before our democracy is further compromised." President Trump tweeted about the incident on Wednesday afternoon, asking people to "remain peaceful" and avoid violence. Several elected officials across New Jersey, however, have accused Trump of fanning the flames, including Rep. Donald Norcross, who said the president "incited a riot." 'Attack On Democracy:' NJ Congress Members Take Shelter, Decry DC RiotsSen. Bob Menendez, Cory Booker Of NJ Decry 'Chaos' At CapitolRep. Payne Of NJ On Capitol 'Assault': A Sad, Sad Day For America I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021 Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected] Don't forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.