Peach Tree Times

Georgia Rep. Philip Singleton (R-Sharpsburg) is one of the Republicans to criticize violent acts recently displayed at the U.S. Capitol building. Singleton took to Facebook to discourage the violence. 

“Protesting is okay, violent rioting is NOT. If you are a Patriot in DC right now, please promote PEACE… From a friend at the rally in DC. It was peaceful and respectful with prayer and optimism. When they started walking to the Capitol, a large element of “militia clad” people showed up and the violence started. This group was NOT part of the rally. They could be MAGA, they could be ANTIFA. I do not care at this moment WHO or WHAT this group is. I just want the violence to stop. This is not the way,” read the post.

Cheryl Fournier, responding to Singleton’s post, blamed authorities for brushing away election fraud accusations.

“People are really, really mad. I'm angry - I'm ready to snap. We have been shut down repeatedly, the courts kick us to the curb, legislators look away, there's nothing here, no evidence. Biden is illegitimate, election was not legal, this is not acceptable. This is not American. The American people are so angry,” she wrote on Facebook.

Part of another Facebook comment by Jeff Bell suggested the violent protests were started by paid individuals.

“It seems like the situation in DC was orchestrated to shut down the proceedings. The crowd was infiltrated by paid anarchists,” he said.

The attack on the U.S. Capitol occurred as federal lawmakers were gearing up to count the Electoral College votes and officially declare President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the general election last November.

Protesters stormed the Capitol Building and were able to make their way into the building, where they ended up shattering window panes in doors and eventually made their way into the House chamber.

Lawmakers switched from making congressional debate to hiding and protecting themselves with assistance from the Capitol Police. The protests led to the death of a woman, who was fatally shot, three more died due to medical emergencies and more than 50 arrests, Metropolitan Police reported.

President Donald Trump said on Thursday that there would be an orderly transition on Inauguration Day. He also condemned the violence and called for peace.

Representatives and senators were evacuated from the building. It wasn’t until late that night and early into the morning of Jan. 7 when they could continue the counting of the votes. Biden was officially declared the winner after 3 a.m. Vice President Mike Pence finalized an Electoral College vote tally of 306-232.