'Trump Bears Responsibility For Today's Events': NC's Sen. Burr

NORTH CAROLINA — North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr lashed out at President Donald Trump Wednesday evening, saying the outgoing president was responsible for rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol earlier in the afternoon, seeking to stop Congress' validation of the presidential election results.

"I supported President Trump's legal right to contest the election results through the courts, but the courts have now unanimously and overwhelmingly rejected these suits," Burr, a Republican, said in a statement. "No evidence of voter fraud has emerged that would warrant overturning the 2020 election. The president bears responsibility for today's events by promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point. It is past time to accept the will of American voters and to allow our nation to move forward."

The Electoral College has already declared President-elect Joe Biden (D) the victor. All that was left was the official certification by Congress on Wednesday. Biden will be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Still, Trump's team has repeatedly filed lawsuits alleging voter fraud. These suits saw little success.

Reports over the weekend said that Trump asked an official in Georgia, a key swing state that the president lost, to "find" enough votes to overturn his defeat. On Wednesday, Trump held a rally in Washington, D.C., to stop what he called a stolen election.

Thousands attended that event outside the Capitol, but a few hundred broke off. They blew past a police barricade and breached the floors of Congress, forcing lawmakers to delay their official count of the Electoral College votes.

North Carolina's governor, Roy Cooper, had strong words about the rioters.

"The peaceful transition of power is the hallmark of our democracy," Cooper said Wednesday afternoon, via Twitter. "Today's terrorism is not who we are. This attack on our country must be overcome. America is better than this."

North Carolina's congressional representatives also sounded off. Here are their thoughts:

Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D) said: “I am safe and monitoring the violent uprising that is ongoing at the U.S. Capitol complex. Please pray for our country.”

Rep. Deborah Ross (D) said: "The peaceful transition of power is a core tenet of our democracy and one that we, the people, have always respected. Today's dangerous events, incited by hate and misinformation from the highest levels, are heartbreaking and wrong. They have no place in our political discourse.

Rep Greg Murphy (R) said: "[V]iolence like today or any type of violence like looting and burning in protest is not to be tolerated. We were having meaningful debate in the House chamber regarding beliefs about the United States Constitution and possible violations of it by certain states. That meaningful dialogue has now been destroyed and marred by this violence. This is not how America operates. I am ashamed of this horrible behavior."

Rep. David Price (D) said: "Pro-Trump protesters have stormed the U.S. Capitol building, forcing the House into recess. I am safe. Thank you to our brave Capitol Police officers who are actively working to protect Members, staff, and the press." Later, he said, via Twitter, "@realdonaldtrump: your video message isn't enough -- you incited this mob with your lies."

Rep. Virginia Foxx (R) said: "I am safe. Members of my staff are safe. The protestors within the Capitol must immediately back down. Senseless violence accomplishes absolutely nothing. Law and order must be upheld."

Rep. Kathy Manning (D) said, "This attempted coup is an act of terrorism. Those responsible must be held accountable." She added, "Today’s actions will not deter us from our purpose. We will uphold our Constitutional duty and vote to certify the Electoral College vote. Democracy will win."

Rep. David Rouzer (R) said: "This is not who we are as a nation. A vigorous debate and differences of opinion should never — ever — be an excuse for lawlessness and violence. Praying for our Capitol Police, other law enforcement personnel and those injured today."

Rep. Richard Hudson (R) said. "Violence will not change the outcome and is completely counter to this process. Capitol Police are honest, decent men and women whose only goal is to serve and protect the public.

Rep. Dan Bishop (R) said. "We solve our problems through debate and peaceful protests, not violence.

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R) said: "The violence that we are witnessing at the United States Capitol is completely unacceptable. I am thankful to the brave men and women of the @CapitolPolice who are doing their duty and working diligently to keep everyone in the Capitol safe. God bless our law enforcement."

Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R) said: "As Americans we can not tolerate violence. Peacefully protest ONLY. We must let Congress work and uphold law and order."

Rep. Alma Adams (D) said: "Once this situation has passed, we’re going to certify the election of President-elect @JoeBiden and Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris," she tweeted. "This incident won’t silence the voice of the American people."

Rep. Ted Budd (R) said: "Mob rule is not representative of our country."

Jacob Baumgart, Patch staff, contributed