State Bar of Arizona Condemns Violence at U.S. Capitol

In one week the 46th President of the United States will take the oath of office in Washington, D.C.

Just six days ago and on the very site of that historic ceremony, violence and loss of life consumed the U.S. Capitol building as well as those inside. Though lawmakers, the Vice President, civil servants and police officers doing their duty were the targets of the siege, the impact was felt far beyond the Beltway. It reverberated across the entire country – and around the world.

The State Bar of Arizona strongly condemns the use of violence as a means of disrupting or stopping the Congressional certification of the Electoral College vote. Not only because the constitution requires the certification, but because the process is an integral part to the rule of law. The criminal acts, violence, and destruction created a tear in the fabric of our democracy. The day will forever be marked in infamy and our Nation's history.

Ultimately, despite the turmoil, our elected leaders finished the people's business. That is a symbol of the strength of our democracy and our nation. But the entire tragic episode signifies the deeply entrenched divisions that afflict the United States. We call on our lawmakers to continue to uphold and defend the Constitution. Elected officials and citizens must work together to bridge partisan divides.

As lawyers we also are sworn to uphold and defend the Constitution. I call on all members of the State Bar of Arizona to continue our commitment to strongly affirm and defend democratic principles.

Denis Fitzgibbons
President, State Bar of Arizona