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A mob of violent pro-Trump supporters descended on the Capitol today, overwhelming the police, overtaking the Capitol, and temporarily blocking the final step in the arcane Electoral College process of confirming President-elect Joe Biden’s victory. Several police were wounded, one protester was killed, and thousands of others feared for their safety. The city of Washington, DC is currently under curfew.

In response, WildEarth Guardians’ Executive Director John Horning issued the following statement:

“I am angered and saddened by today’s events. I’m angry because I saw not only my hometown—but this country—attacked. I’m saddened because for me Washington is not only the place where politicians live, it’s the place where I grew up, and my parents still live. It’s the place where I first learned about the aspirations and ideals that our nation inspires, the place where I first learned about the imperfections, fragility, and strength of our democracy.

When President Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol—while carrying American flags—I knew they could not see the irony of their actions. How can people who claim to love America attack the very foundation of what guides this country, by seeking to circumvent the election process? In 1814, the British government attacked the Capitol and several other federal buildings, burning them to the ground. At the time, the British government was a foreign power at war with the United States. Today’s act of domestic terrorism is the first time in over 200 years that the Capitol has been attacked by militants. These are acts of treason by a mob that has violently stormed, occupied, and desecrated the people’s building. They must be prosecuted and sentenced.

But my final words of condemnation are reserved for President Trump and the senators and representatives who continue to attack the credibility of the election’s outcome. They provided the basis for—and fanned the flames that ignited—the violent attack on the Capitol. Each and every one of them is a threat to our democracy, graver even than those who attacked the Capitol today. WildEarth Guardians calls on Congress to immediately initiate impeachment proceedings against President Trump. Sadly, I believe the greatest damage from today’s events—and the days preceding—will be the corrosive loss of faith and trust in our democratic institutions and democracy itself.”

Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)