CLQ01222021 - Page 20

AOC condemns pro-Trump insurrection By Nelson A. King Rep. Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez (D-N.Y.) has strongly condemned the pro-Trump insurrection on the Capitol Building two weeks ago, saying that the clear goal of the insurrection was “to overthrow and have a coup against the United States Government.” “There’s no way of sugarcoating that,” Ocasio-Cortez, who represents the 14th Congressional District, including the eastern part of the Bronx, portions of north-central Queens and Rikers Island, told a virtual town hall meeting last Friday. “There’s a lot of people responsible, including who’s in the White House, to undermine our democracy – frankly to maintain power,” added Ocasio-Cortez, who had joined her Democratic colleagues and 10 Republicans in impeaching then President Donald J. Trump, alluding to Trump. “Every single person’s life was in danger. “I’ve been thinking of those who supported to overturn our elections,” she added. “When I think of this, I think of our duty to the US Constitution. One of the reasons is when it (insurrection) strikes at the US Constitution. “Our duty is to every single person who we are representing,” she continued. “And, in my case, my duty is to uphold the Constitution of the United States – not to overthrow our government for our personal reason. “What we saw was dereliction of duty,” continued Ocasio- Cortez. “That’s why I demand the resignation of Ted Cruz (and others, who supported the insurrection, and voted against confirming Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the Electoral College for president and vice president, respectively). This is not political opinion; this is about our sworn oath.” She was equivocal that members of Congress who staunchly defended the insurrection are not fit to serve. “The ultimate responsibility lies in our voters,” Ocasio- Cortez said. “It’s heart-breaking that one who just swore (to the Constitution), three days �� Caribbean L 20 ife, JANUARY 22-28, 2021 afterwards abandoned it. It’s quite pathetic and quite sad. “We have to remind ourselves of the truth; every one of us swore to the Constitution,” she added. “The moment we abandon that oath, we might as well hang up our hat. “Donald Trump remains a clear and present threat to the United States,” she continued. “It’s pretty clear cut. The crime took place on TV for all to see. I believe the white supremacist cause is futile. Every single insurrectionist will be held accountable.” As rioters pounded on doors and smashed through glass windows at the Capitol, Ocasio Cortez told the Washington Post that she was worried her own colleagues in Congress might divulge her location to the mob outside, putting her at risk for kidnapping or worse. In the midst of the chaos, she revealed that she also experienced “a pretty traumatizing event” that left her fearing for her life. “I can tell you that I had a very close encounter where I thought I was going to die,” she told the Post, declining to give specifics for security reasons. “I did not know if I was going to make it to the end of that day alive.” Ocasio-Cortez sprang to national attention when she surprisingly won the Democratic Party’s primary election for New York’s 14th Congressional District on June 26, 2018. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., speaks during a news conference outside of the Democratic National Headquarters in Washington on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. Photo by Caroline Brehman/CQ Roll Call via AP Images ��