Dear Friend --

I wanted to take a moment this evening to message you about the shameful actions that took place today in Washington, D.C.

There is absolutely no question that what occurred was sickening, horrific and completely against what we stand for as Americans. This was an attack on our Capitol and our country's most sacred institutions. It was truly saddening to watch our Congress overrun at the urging of a President who has failed to uphold the oath he took: "to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

Today should have been a day to close out the democratic process of the 2020 elections and embrace a peaceful transfer of power, just as Americans have done since 1801 when President John Adams lost the election, and incoming President Thomas Jefferson took the oath of office.

Tonight, my thoughts are with the Long Beach Congressional delegation and their staff in Washington who experienced this incident firsthand. I look forward to being able to turn the page on this moment in history and embrace our incoming leadership.

Throughout the day, I have been in close communications with the city leadership team and the Long Beach Police Department to ensure we don't have any issues here in our city, where as one community, we continue to work together in our fight against COVID-19 at this critical moment during the pandemic.

Thank you and continue to stay safe,

Mayor Robert Garcia