VIDEO: Santa Cruz Mayor, Police Chief Address Capitol Riot

SANTA CRUZ, CA — More than a week after a riot on the nation's Capitol that resulted in several deaths and extensive damage to government property, Santa Cruz's mayor and police chief produced a video addressing the incident.

On Wednesday, Jan. 6, a pro-Trump mob overpowered police, broke through security lines and windows and rampaged through the Capitol, forcing lawmakers to scatter as they were finalizing Biden's victory over Trump in the Electoral College.

Mayor Donna Meyers issued the following video statement Wednesday:

The events that took place on the Capitol this week demonstrate the fragility of our democracy and they remind us that we need to honor our institutions. They are the means by which we all have a voice.

Santa Cruz is a passionate city with deep history of speaking our minds. Let’s continue to speak out and do so in a peaceful manner that honors the sacrifices of those who came before us and teach the young who watch us intently.

People may not remember words spoken over the next ten days, but they will remember that we acted as a peaceful and supportive community. Andy and I are honored to serve you. We cherish the people of Santa Cruz and hope each of us will do our part to ensure we are building a better tomorrow for our Santa Cruz, California and the nation.

Following the mayor's video address, Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills had this to say:

In record numbers, the people have spoken in a free, fair and open election. On Jan. 20, Joe Biden will be the new president of the United States and Kamala Harris our new vice president.

Over the years, the SCPD has vigorously protected people’s right to protest and to have their grievances heard against government. Each of our officers if fully prepared to protect your right to protest.

But what we cannot and will not accept in our community is an armed insurrection of violence. We want you to know that we are hear to protect our democracy, this city and you.

Santa Cruz Mayor, Police Chief Video Address:

The FBI has warned that armed protests by violent Trump supporters were being planned in all 50 state capitals as well as in Washington for the days leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.

The number of National Guard troops coming to Washington to assist law enforcement with security has grown to about 26,000, officials said Thursday.

D.C. Police Chief Robert Contee estimated Wednesday that more than 20,000 National Guard members would be active in the city on Inauguration Day. But officials said Thursday that the number has grown to 26,000 based on additional requests from law enforcement agencies.

As of Thursday, there are roughly 7,000 already in the city, with thousands more en route. The length of their missions may vary, but Defense Department officials were authorized to deploy the Guard for up to 30 days for the inauguration and surrounding protests.

Officials say Guard members from all 50 states are deploying to the city, even though each state is on alert against violent protests or attacks in its own state capital.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.