Gov. Tom Wolf late Wednesday afternoon condemned the violent riots in Washington, D.C. and the actions of Republican legislators who incited those riots by perpetuating a deliberate disinformation campaign following the 2020 General Election. The governor released the followed statement:

“Today, President Trump's supporters attempted a coup. This was the direct result of a deliberate disinformation campaign by Republicans from the President down to legislators in Pennsylvania. They lied about the results of the election. They lied about voter fraud. They lied about my administration and other governors. They lied about the administration of the election here in Pennsylvania and across the country. On November 3, we had a remarkably well-run election despite historic challenges.

“Eight of the nine Republican members of Congress from Pennsylvania lied about our election in an attempt to pledge fealty to President Trump.

“Republican legislators enabled this every step of the way. They've held show trials to gin up President Trump's supporters. They've intentionally spread disinformation.

“The actions of Republicans in Pennsylvania and across the country have led to violence. It is their fault. There should be no equivocation.

“It is past time for Republicans to stop lying and tell their supporters the truth. President Trump lost. The election was fair. President Trump received fewer votes. That's it.

“We have had a peaceful transfer of power every election cycle in our nation's history but because of the actions of Republicans, we can no longer say that. I am disgusted but I will keep fighting to make our democracy stronger.”

Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) also issued the following statement regarding the protests in Washington, D.C: 

“This is an absolute disgrace. I appreciate the work of the United States Capitol Police under difficult circumstances. I am currently safe as are the few members of my staff that are currently at the Capitol complex.”

Additionally, the Pa. House Democratic Caucus is calling on their Republican colleagues to join a demand for rioters at the U.S. Capitol to stand down, stop assaulting law enforcement officers and respect the rule of law and the constitution: 

“For numerous weeks, leaders have failed to speak in a unified bipartisan voice that America respects the rule of law, the peaceful transition of power and the will of the voters to decide our elections. From our state Capitol to our nation’s Capitol people have been cavalier with our democracy and now we have violence in an attempt to overturn our elections through force. We are calling on our Republican colleagues, starting with Speaker Bryan Cutler and Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, to immediately and unequivocally denounce this violence and support the rule of law and the peaceful transition of power. It’s time for all of us to do our part to lead. It’s time for all of us to stand together and urge peace and respect. We demand Republicans will do the right thing and join us today and in days to come to restore the people’s faith in their democracy.”