West Central Michigan News

Michigan House Speaker-elect Jason Wentworth (R-Clare) did not hold back his sentiments following the Jan. 6 riot. 

Wentworth wrote on Facebook that violence was not the answer and that it tarnishes the good image of the country.

"Today’s riot at the Capitol is not what anyone wants for our country or our children. This is not the shining city on the hill that demonstrates to the world the beauty of democracy. We are a nation of rules and respect, and we need to demand both of ourselves. America is a beautiful and special place, but this is a tragic moment in our history that obscures our legacy. I hope our President uses the power of his voice and office to bring order and peace, immediately,” read the statement.

The attack on the U.S. Capitol occurred as federal lawmakers were gearing up to count the Electoral College votes and officially declare President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the general election last November.

Protesters stormed the Capitol Building and were able to make their way into the building, where they ended up shattering window panes in doors and eventually made their way into the House chamber.

Both Democratic and Republican officials castigated the riot which disrupted the normal Congress Session.

In 2020, several groups of people rioted at the Michigan Capitol, threatening to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and on Wednesday, Michigan AG Dana Nessel asked in a tweet if it was time to renew discussions about banning guns at the State Capitol.

Michigan state Senator Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, also said in a tweet that the riot was wrong and unacceptable.

President Donald Trump on Thursday promised an orderly transition on Inauguration Day. He also condemned the violence and called for peace after Biden was officially declared winner after 3 a.m. This is the closest Trump has come to conceding.