Dear Neighbor,

Yesterday, we experienced an unprecedented—almost unimaginable—attack on our country.

As you surely know, as the Vice President of the United States, the Senate, and the House of Representatives convened to do the most sacred of duties—certifying the states’ results of the electoral college for the next President of the United States—a seditious mob stormed the United States Capitol building.

Because I have the privilege of representing you, I have the privilege to work in the United States Capitol.  And I was there, in this hallowed place, in the Gallery of the House of Representatives chamber yesterday to be present for the certification of the 2020 election as our Capitol building and the democratic system of government that it represents was attacked.

Many of our neighbors expressed their concerns for my safety and for the safety of our country yesterday, and I am grateful to all for this outpouring of support.  And I am grateful to the Capitol Police officers and law enforcement officers who protected me and the others present in the House during this sad and shameful attack. 

So many constituents have visited Washington throughout my tenure, and it is always a thrill to share with them the majesty of the Capitol—the People’s House.  Yesterday, our House was taken over by a mob that desecrated its halls and forced the people’s elected representatives to evacuate to safety.  Many of the harrowing images you may have seen in reporting are the things I witnessed.  And having witnessed them, it is clear that we must respond to this devastating attack as well as to the continued threat of danger at this moment.

There are many matters relating to yesterday’s events that must be examined and addressed, but one matter is urgent: It is now clear that the President of the United States represents a grave threat to our Constitution and to our country.  This insurrection was incited, encouraged, and praised by the President of the United States, who willfully incited violence against the Government of the United States.  It is for these reasons that I support his removal from office as soon as possible, whether through the process set forth in the 25th Amendment to the Constitution or through the constitutional process of impeachment.  I hope you know that I have reached this conclusion after careful consideration and after witnessing firsthand an assault on the United States that not long ago would have been unthinkable.

As you likely know now, too, despite yesterday’s attack on our Capitol and our country, our Congress went back to the People’s House last night to complete the certification process.  And we did so.  When I left the House around 4:00 this morning, the certification was complete and the hallmark of our democracy—the peaceful transfer of power—was very much in tact.  My colleagues and I remain committed to working together to repair the damage that has been done, to our Capital and to our country.

As always, I am honored and proud to do this work as your representative to the Congress.

Sincerely,