Friend,

My colleagues and I sheltered in place yesterday as a violent mob broke in to the Capitol, trying to prevent the counting of electoral votes and shatter our nation's sacred process of the peaceful transfer of power.

I want to be very clear: this was an act of insurrection and domestic terror. And it was the result of months of lies, baseless conspiracy theories, and incitement pushed by Donald Trump.

Donald Trump spent the lead-up to the 2020 election telling his supporters that he couldn't lose a "fair" election. Then, as soon as he was defeated in the highest-turnout election in American history, he falsely claimed that the election was stolen. His claims were roundly and repeatedly rejected by state election officials of both parties, by state legislatures, and in courts.

It was entirely predictable that Trump's disregard for the truth and self-serving attempts to overturn an election would inspire hateful acts. And even as the Capitol was under siege, he continued to release statements giving a wink and a nod to the supporters that he radicalized.

Donald Trump's words and actions endangered the lives of journalists, law enforcement personnel, Hill staffers, and countless others -- many of whom are my constituents.

We will not let insurrectionists stop us from doing the people's work. But we face a clear and present danger to our democracy and national security every hour that Donald Trump retains an ounce of constitutional authority.

Yesterday, I said that Vice President Pence and the cabinet should immediately invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. I reiterate this call today, along with a growing number of my colleagues that includes Speaker Pelosi. Failing that, Congress must draw up articles of impeachment.

May this dark cloud over our nation soon begin to lift. In these difficult days ahead, reach out to your family, friends, and neighbors. Show kindness. Remember the bonds that make up our national fabric.

Thank you,

Jennifer