1.1A Senate resolution
1.2expressing the Minnesota Senate's condemnation of the attacks on the and our nation's
1.3democracy and promotion of the common good.
1.4WHEREAS, all legislators, regardless of partisan identification, share a responsibility to
1.5uphold core constitutional tenets; and
1.6WHEREAS, on January 6, 2021, demonstrators in Washington, D.C., and other locations
1.7around the United States vandalized public buildings, threatened the lives of lawmakers, staff, and
1.8the general public, and jeopardized the peaceful transfer of presidential power; and
1.9WHEREAS, the death and bodily harm resulting from civil unrest is an affront to a civilized
1.10society; and
1.11WHEREAS, vandalistic destruction of public and private property undermines the rule of
1.12law; and
1.13WHEREAS, our constitutional democracy prescribes a legitimate process to reflect political
1.14will and advance social change; and
1.15WHEREAS, the United States Constitution made the right to free speech the very first
1.16amendment in our Bill of Rights, but the behavior at the United States Capitol was a violent assault
1.17on our democracy that should be condemned and rejected by every American; and
1.18WHEREAS, all lawmakers have a duty at the federal, state, and local level to protect
1.19democracy and the safety of our communities; and
1.20WHEREAS, we are grateful for the Capitol Police officers who are working to keep members,
1.21staff, and the Capitol safe and hope for the safety of those at risk; and
1.22WHEREAS, we are grateful for our state and local law enforcement, who work to keep the
1.23public and our communities safe; and
2.1WHEREAS, the peaceful transfer of power has been a foundation and hallmark of presidential
2.2elections; and
2.3WHEREAS, we are committed to ensuring the integrity of free and fair elections in Minnesota;
2.4and
2.5WHEREAS, the discourse of all elected officials should be aimed at promoting the common
2.6good; and
2.7NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the State of Minnesota that it
2.8condemns the violent behavior in our nation's capital on January 6, as well as incidents of politically
2.9motivated violence previously experienced throughout our nation.
2.10BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is directed to prepare a copy
2.11of this resolution, to be authenticated by his signature and that of the Chair of the Senate Rules and
2.12Administration Committee, and transmit it to Governor Walz.