SW News: President of the USCCB, Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles, has condemned the recent violence at the United States Capitol. "I join people of goodwill in condemning the violence today at the United States Capitol. This is not who we are as Americans. I am praying for members of Congress and Capitol staff and for the police and all those working to restore order and public safety," said Archbishop Gomez in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 6.

On Wednesday, a group of angry protestors breached the barricades of the Capitol building and disrupted the Congress as they were counting and certifying the Electoral College votes of the U.S. presidential election, which took place on November 3. Following this, the members of the Congress were shifted to the Cannon building. 

In his statement, Archbishop Gomez emphasized that the "peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks" of the United States. "In this troubling moment, we must recommit ourselves to the values and principles of our democracy and come together as one nation under God," he added. 

Bishop Michael F. Olson of Fort Worth said in a statement that the incident was "painful to witness" both as "a bishop and as a citizen of the United States of America." He continued, "A peaceful republic requires safety and security in accord with the legitimate rule of law to foster the confidence of citizens in the electoral system and process. These outrageous actions undermined that safety and security." 

"I hope and pray that with order restored, sufficient time and resources will be afforded by Congress to address the legitimate concerns of so many Americans regarding the integrity of our nation's electoral system within the rule of law required for right order, the common good, and peace," concluded Bishop Olson.