St. Paul, Minnesota — Today, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed House Resolution 1, a resolution condemning violence and violent rhetoric directed at the United States Capitol and state capitols, and affirming support for democracy, rule of law, and the certified results of our election. The resolution passed on a vote of 111-8.
“The violent insurrection on January 6, 2021 — and the lies and misinformation that led to it — have left the vast majority of Americans in a state of deep concern for our democracy,” said Speaker Melissa Hortman. “We are a nation founded on the rule of law — whether the source of the law is legislative, by court ruling, or by executive power. Legal challenges to our election were defeated, and we had a free, fair, and valid election. As elected leaders, we have a responsibility to be honest with our constituents and defend our democracy.”
“As a legislative body, the Minnesota House of Representatives is entering into the record our condemnation of an unprecedented attack on American democracy and the peaceful transfer of power,” said Majority Leader Ryan Winkler. “The violent insurrection we witnessed on January 6, 2021, and the strategic disinformation campaign that preceded it can never be allowed to happen again. This is about whether democracy, rule of law, and the Constitution govern this nation, or whether this nation is governed by a violent mob.”
“Attempts to undermine free and fair elections have no place in our nation,” said Rep. Jamie Long (DFL - Minneapolis). “Condemning the violent insurrection we witnessed in Washington D.C. and the disinformation that sparked it is the first step towards preventing further attacks on our democracy. We must stand together to uphold the will of voters and defend our democracy.”
“The insurrection on January 6th cut a deep wound into our democracy that will only heal if we stand together to denounce both the violence and what preceded it - unprecedented attempts to discredit our free and fair elections,” said Rep. Michael Howard (DFL - Richfield). “Passing this resolution is our opportunity to state that now and in the future, the Minnesota House of Representative will stand for reason, truth and democracy.”
The text of the resolution can be found below.
A House resolution condemning violence and violent rhetoric directed at our United States Capitol and state capitols, and affirming support for democracy, rule of law, and the certified results of Minnesota's election.
WHEREAS, on January 6, 2021, an armed mob breached the United States Capitol, endangering the safety of Members of Congress, law enforcement, and staff; and
WHEREAS, the mob damaged property in the United States Capitol and forced Members of Congress to evacuate, many wearing gas masks; and
WHEREAS, Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick was killed; and
WHEREAS, members of the mob breached and attempted to breach the chambers of the United States Senate and United States House of Representatives, minutes after Members of Congress evacuated; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the 12th Amendment to the United States Constitution, the United States Congress was gathering in joint session to certify the Electoral College results; and
WHEREAS, the Electoral College has cast 306 electoral votes for Joe Biden to 232 electoral votes for President Donald Trump; and
WHEREAS, the electoral ballots had to be physically carried out of the chamber to prevent them from being damaged by the mob; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota's electoral votes had not yet been certified when Congress was forced to flee; and
WHEREAS, efforts to thwart the will of Minnesota voters are undemocratic; and
WHEREAS, attempts to block certification of Minnesota's election results have been rejected by the courts; and
WHEREAS, precautionary measures were required for the Minnesota State Capitol, including mobilizing law enforcement; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota that it unequivocally condemns violence directed at the United States Capitol and at state capitols.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that those who participated in the criminal destruction of property and assaults on our law enforcement officials at the United States Capitol should be arrested and prosecuted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota stands behind the will of Minnesota voters and supports the full certification of its electoral college votes by the United States Congress.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota condemns attacks on our democracy.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the House of Representatives of the State of Minnesota reaffirms our commitment to democracy, free and fair elections, and the rule of law.