Dear West Virginian,

You’ve seen the photos on the news. You’ve watched the videos on social media. On Wednesday, while Congress tried to certify the results of the Electoral College, the United States Capitol was attacked and vandalized by rioters. Several people were injured. Others were killed, including a Capitol Police officer. This is not law and order.

Thankfully, my staff and I are safe, but days later, my heart is still heavy. Wednesday’s insurrection looked like something you’d see in Venezuela or Beirut. This is the United States of America. This is not who we are.

I spoke more about my experience on Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval.

Our democracy permits enjoying electoral victories, but its survival requires accepting defeats. (Despite a landslide victory in West Virginia, President Trump lost his re-election bid. I voted for President Trump in the presidential election, and I wanted him to be re-elected. As a United States Senator, I supported many of his policies over the past four years, and I will continue to advocate for these on behalf of West Virginia—even with a new administration.)

I recognize this is not what most West Virginians wanted. It’s not what I wanted. But the Constitution is clear: Congress does not have the authority to reject electors chosen by the states. States are in charge of their own elections. My full thoughts on the vote to certify the Electoral College can be found here.

In days, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris will be sworn in as President and Vice President of the United States. No attack on our United States Capitol was ever going to change that.

I know that not all of the protesters that day were violent. I know that there were many that were peacefully exercising their First Amendment right. However, this mob mentality causes permanent damage to our republic. We saw it this summer across the country as rioters burned cities and vandalized businesses. We saw it this week at the Capitol. Both are wrong.

These are tense times. Families are struggling financially. The COVID-19 pandemic continues taking lives. I ask that you please join me in praying for our country as we enter this new administration. Pray for unity. Pray for peace.

Additional COVID-19 Resources

I created a page on my website with information and resources to keep you up-to-date on the coronavirus situation as it continues to evolve. For example, checks and debit cards are on the way to those eligible as a result of the relief package we passed a few weeks ago. Check out that page here, and please share with friends so they can keep up with the latest.

In addition to my webpage, I also want to make sure you know where to get the latest updates from the medical experts at CDC.gov and West Virginia DHHR.

I will continue doing my best to keep you up to speed on what we are doing here at the federal level to help and other resources that can be useful back at home. I will be posting regular updates on my Facebook and Twitter accounts, so be sure to follow me there.

Important Information If You’re Visiting DC

Because of coronavirus concerns, all Capitol and White House tours have been suspended indefinitely. Please contact our Washington office to reschedule. Additionally, requests for flags flown over the Capitol may be delayed, and access to the Capitol and House and Senate office buildings is being restricted. Feel free to contact our office at (202) 224-6472 with any questions. We apologize for any inconvenience.

How Can We Help?

Whether you need help with a casework issue or have a question about scheduling a meeting at one of my offices, my staff and I are ready to assist you. Learn more about the services we offer at www.capito.senate.gov.

You can also submit your feedback and share your stories with me by visiting my “Share Your Stories” webpage here: www.capito.senate.gov/ShareYourStories.

Social Media Recap

Join me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for regular updates and photos.

Sincerely,

Shelley Moore Capito

United States Senator