The NAACP released the following statement from NAACP President Derrick Johnson on the disruption of peaceful transition of power and calls for the impeachment of President Trump:
“What we are witnessing at this moment is the manifestation and culmination of reckless leadership, a pervasive misuse of power, and anarchy. This is not protesting or activism; this is an insurrection, an assault on our democracy, and a coup incited by President Trump.
For the past four years, we’ve seen him chip away at the civility, integrity, and dignity of our nation. The pattern of President Trump’s misconduct is unmistakable and has proven time and time again that it is a grave threat and harm to the fragile fabric of our country. In the latest show of failed leadership, we witnessed the Capitol under siege by bad actors who had no other objective than to disrupt the constitutional proceedings of a fair and rightful transition of power. At this moment, President Trump is silent and continues to perpetuate lies and disinformation for his selfish amusement and personal gain.
We must not allow President Trump to continue to place our nation in peril. The NAACP calls for President Trump’s impeachment so that he will never again be able to harm our beloved country, and more importantly, its people.”
Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) issued the following statement:
“LDF vehemently condemns the violent takeover of the U.S. Capitol today. What we saw today was an attempted coup and an act of domestic terrorism orchestrated by extremist factions and encouraged and egged on by President Trump, who made clear their intent to disrupt today’s final certification of the 2020 presidential election. Speaking to his supporters at a rally earlier today, President Trump incited his supporters to march to the Capitol, which has led to the alarming actions and dystopian scenes unfolding before our eyes. President Trump has repeatedly encouraged this behavior, telling the violent extremist Proud Boys months ago to ‘stand back and stand by’ during a presidential debate and repeatedly refusing to condemn white supremacists groups throughout his presidency. He also promoted attendance at today’s gathering saying: ‘Be there, will be wild!’
“The president has consistently escalated his supplications to white supremacist and extremist groups in an effort to avoid the inevitable transition of power resulting from his loss in the 2020 presidential election. Indeed, today’s insurrection at the Capitol is the inevitable culmination of the impunity with which Mr. Trump has violated norms and standards of decent conduct, engaged in ugly, violent and racist rhetoric, and disdained adherence to the rule of law. The president has been aided in his unconscionable conduct by a broad range of leaders in our country – elected officials, business leaders, media personalities, faith leaders – many of whom have condoned or supported the president’s abhorrent behavior and shameful rhetoric.
“For the security of our nation, President Trump must resign immediately. Every business leader, newspaper editorial board, governor, and political leader in this country should join in calling for his resignation. Congress should convene immediately and impeach this president for the second time. Given the threat he poses, Mr. Trump cannot be allowed to serve out the remainder of his term. He has demonstrated that he is unfit to do so. We are gratified that members of Congress have indicated their intention to complete the vote count as soon as possible. It is critically important for our nation that the transition to a new administration duly elected by the American people occurs without further disruption.
“Finally, we demand full and immediate federal, state, and local investigations of today’s acts that terrorized the American public and institutions. Those responsible must be held fully accountable – including the president.”
