NCL statement on violent Capitol insurrection
For immediate release: January 7, 2021
Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832
Washington, DC–The National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s pioneering consumer organization founded to advocate for the interests of workers and consumers, condemns the right-wing assault by radical extremists on the U.S. Capitol and surrounding Senate and House office buildings.
This was a shocking and unprecedented attack on the fundamental institution of our democracy – our Congress – which was working to verifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Encouraged by President Donald Trump to engage in “wild” behavior and storm the Capitol, falsely claiming without evidence that he won the Presidential election, these radical right-wing insurrectionists overtook the Capitol Police and entered the U.S. Capitol building. Once inside, they went on a rampage, breaking windows, throwing bottles and bricks, vandalizing and stealing federal property, assaulting Capitol Police officers, invading Congressional offices, and threatening lawmakers with violence. A noose was hung by these criminals for all to see outside the Capitol.
This mayhem occurred a mile from NCL’s Washington headquarters. This disturbing attempt to undermine the will of American voters and the very democratic systems for which NCL has stood for over a century is unacceptable.
The following statement may be attributed to NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg:
“National Consumers League’s Board of Directors and staff support Americans’ right to free speech and peaceful protest, but these acts of terror and threats of violence toward our elected officials January 6 have no place in this country, and they cannot be condoned or tolerated. We deeply regret that so many members of Congress continued to propagate Mr. Trump’s rants and his false claims of election fraud. Democracy is fragile and must be fought for and defended every day. NCL calls on the nation to commit to upholding social equality, expanded access to voting, a rejection of violence, and a peaceful transfer of power. Following Wednesday’s riot, NCL redoubles our dedication to these ideals and to the upward progress of the country we hold dear.”
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
