Torres denounces DC violence

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres denounced yesterday the violent protests in the U.S. Congress that tried to delay the certification of President-elect Joe Biden as the winner in the November election. Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) assured he’s “fine” and fortunately wasn’t in the Capitol building when the events in the nation’s capital unfolded yesterday.

“I join elected leaders from around the country in denouncing the violent protests in the U.S. Capitol earlier today. Just like many of us, I was disappointed and saddened to see our nation’s senators and representatives threatened and law enforcement officials overwhelmed by this unprecedented act in our capital,” Torres said in a statement.

He said a peaceful transfer of power is one of the hallmarks of a great republic. “Today’s lawless and violent attempts to disrupt the certification of the electoral college was an affront to our American democracy. At a time when democracy has shown its fragility, I am thankful that the CNMI, as a young democracy, has maintained positive civil discourse in order to progress together as one island community.”

He also appealed to all Americans to unite despite their differences. “Whatever our political, religious, or other philosophical beliefs may be, whatever our race, creed, or background may be, we are all Americans. We may have different ideas about how we might strengthen and improve our nation, but we must all be able to agree that we believe and support the ideals of democracy. Together in this spirit, we renew our commitment to collectively work together to form a more perfect union.”

The CNMI’s delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives, meanwhile, said he’s OK and was going home when the mob descended and breached the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.

Sablan, who caucuses with the Democratic Party, said he was on his lunch a break when thousands of Trump supporters stormed U.S. Congress in the middle of the joint of session of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to certify the former vice president’s win in the November elections.

In an early morning phone call to Saipan Tribune, Sablan said he is “fine” after leaving the joint session for lunch, saying he took a break because he knew the debate on counting electoral votes would take hours. When he did reach his apartment, the already surreal day became more bizarre when a bomb threat prevented him from entering his home.

He said he lives close to where the Democratic National Committee building is located and that’s probably where the bomb threat was. Sablan was sworn in for his seventh term last Monday as the 117th U.S. Congress was inaugurated.

Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero also issued a statement about yesterday’s events in Washington, D.C., and encouraged everyone to continue to trust in American democracy. (See Page 11)

Guam Sen. James C. Moylan, a Republican, said the actions that took place in the nation’s capital yesterday were unacceptable, and those who have destroyed property or have hurt others i should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“Their actions do not represent the principles of democracy or are symbolic of peaceful protests. Let us pray for those who were and continue to be in harm’s way so that they can safely get home to their families. This includes both those who work within the halls of Congress, as well as members of the U.S. Capitol Police.”