Dear Friend,

Last Sunday, I felt so proud to be sworn in to represent California’s 53rd District in Congress. One week later, I feel lucky to be alive.

On Wednesday – just four days into my service in Congress – the U.S. Capitol was breached for the first time in 200 years. A violent mob stormed the Capitol – carrying zip-tie handcuffs and wearing “Camp Auschwitz” shirts – encouraged and supported by an American President intent on intimidating Members of Congress and his own Vice President to overturn the votes of the American people.

I was in the House Gallery on Wednesday afternoon, having been one of the Members selected to attend the beginning of the Electoral College proceedings. We had been following news of the protests outside, but felt safe inside what was supposed to be the most protected institution in the world.

Suddenly, we started receiving notifications that buildings in the Capitol complex were being evacuated. I texted my worried parents that I was fine, that being in the House Chamber was the safest place I could be. Then suddenly we heard Capitol Police officers running behind us, moving to secure unlocked doors as the violent mob reached the Chamber. Speaker Pelosi was swiftly removed from the House Chamber. We continued proceedings, but were told to pull the gas masks out from under our seats and be prepared to use them. Very quickly, proceedings ended, we were told to put the masks on and hide under our seats. We were told to remove our Congressional pins so that we couldn’t be easily identified as targets. I could hear the mob banging on the door right behind me, heard gunshots and flash bangs. When it was clear we needed to evacuate, we climbed over chairs and under railings to find a protected exit. We were directed to one location after another in an attempt to get us away from the violence.

That night, when I finally got back to my office and was reunited with my staff, I made the solemn decision to call for the impeachment of President Trump. I want you to know that I do not take that call lightly. But nor do I take lightly the fact that our American President sought to overthrow an equal branch of government because he didn’t agree with the outcome of the presidential election. Five people are dead — including one Capitol Police officer, who gave his life to protect our democracy.

Like all my colleagues, I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. No person is above the law in the United States, and we must hold President Trump and all those who incited, encouraged, and committed violence accountable to the highest level.

The time to act is now.

Sara