The following is a statement released by the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey:
”Yesterday we witnessed an unprecedented and malicious attack on a pillar of our nation’s democracy – the certification of a free and fair election as prescribed by the U.S. Constitution.
The mob of rioters was a sickening display of everything America is not – this was not patriotism, but rather terrorism. After seeing the response in Washington, D.C. to the BLM protests this past summer, the lack of preparation for the well publicized event that was supposed to be a protest, but clearly with the tension and division in this country predictably would lead to violence, at a minimum raises the question – Are all Americans and their beliefs equally protected by the law?
As Prosecutors it is our sworn duty to make sure everyone is treated equally under the law and call out when it is not the case. In the process, four lives were cut short, many individuals were injured and fear was felt by many.
We send our condolences to all impacted by these unnecessary events and a strong message to anyone who supported it that these actions will not be tolerated.
The attempt at disrupting the constitutional process ultimately was not successful, but we affirm that the rule of law must always be upheld equally and all who hold elected office must ensure that the sanctity of our democratic process is preserved.
As the statewide organization representing our legal system and the rule of law, we denounce the actions yesterday and send gratitude and thanks to the men and women of multiple law enforcement agencies and the National Guard who defended our Capitol.
While yesterday was a dark day in our country’s history, we believe that the unwavering strength of our founding beliefs in liberty and justice will guide us through this moment and deliver us to a better, stronger union”.