Political Notebook: AZ GOP profits from election-fraud claims; plus more local fallout from the Jan. 6 D.C. disorder

Abigail O’Brien, chief of staff for Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick, said around 1:15 this afternoon:

“We are safe right now, remaining calm,” O’Brien said. She called the feeling at the moment “pretty anxious.”

“We are sheltering in place” in one of the House office buildings, O’Brien said.

They were evacuated from a House office building around 11 a.m. due to a report of a suspicious item. The evacuation lasted about 45 minutes. Shortly after they returned to the office building, they were put on lockdown. They remain on lockdown. They are in what she called a “holding pattern” waiting for further guidance about what they should do.

She has not heard of any injuries. Kirkpatrick is calm and spoke with her family by phone.

“I’ve been in and seen a lot of different marches and protests in D.C.,” O’Brien said. “I was at the Women’s March, the Black Lives Matter march and it was not like this. This certainly feels wildly different.”

“I believe that the majority of these people just want to have their voices heard, but there are some that are behaving more aggressively,” she said. “Entering the building when you’re not supposed to pass the barricades is aggressive and wrong.”

“I’m just hoping to get me and the congresswoman out of here before night time, but I don’t know how that’s going to work,” O’Brien said.

By Arizona Daily Star reporter Curt Prendergast

The Office of Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick released the following statement Wednesday evening: 

Tonight, the Office of Rep. Kirkpatrick responds to ongoing violence and disruption of democratic processes in the nation’s capital. Rep. Kirkpatrick and her staff remain safe and locked down.

“Today will go down as a dark day in American history,” Rep. Kirkpatrick said. “What should have been a peaceful, honored, and routine process — the congressional certification of electoral votes — was shattered by senseless violence incited by the lame duck president.

“Make no mistake: today’s acts have been brewing for four years under the outgoing president. The cowardly assault on our democracy is not new — it’s simply more visible. It paves the way for a terribly slippery slope to fascism.

“Those who infiltrated the Capitol Building and threatened the lives of law enforcement, journalists, elected officials, essential workers, and many others, will not bring down democracy. Together, we are stronger than the mob.

“When it becomes safe to do so, we will return to the People’s House and affirm the people’s choice. Once we complete our certification, the work to regain our country and our values will begin immediately — and we will do so with grace, dignity, and honor.”

Congressman Raul Grijalva Wednesday evening released the following statement: 

“Today’s events will go down as one of the darkest and most shameful days of our republic as domestic terrorists stormed the Capitol in an effort to threaten and intimidate lawmakers into overturning our free and fair elections. They interrupted just as Arizona’s Democratic Delegation began defending the integrity of Arizona’s election and the will of the people to cast Arizona’s Electoral College votes to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

“For years, President Trump has engaged in a relentless assault on our values, sought to divide us, and pitted communities against one another. He’s denigrated our institutions, attacked our values, and winked and nodded to the ideas of dangerous militias and conspiracy theorists.

“What occurred at the Capitol today was the product of Trump and all the havoc he’s wrought on our system—all with the tacit approval of his willing congressional enablers. Calling it a disgrace isn’t enough. It’s an outright abomination to this country, and those who engaged in these acts must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“It remains my duty to certify the election and no domestic terrorists will stop that. I will certify the results for President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, and will not yield to conspiracy theorists and zealots attempting to overthrow our government.”

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer released the following statement:

“First and foremost, the violent events unfolding at the Capitol in Washington D.C. are shameful, uncalled for, and need to stop immediately. We are praying for the safety and well-being of our leaders and staff in Congress, law enforcement officers, the Navajo Nation Washington Office staff members, and all citizens of the Navajo Nation and our country.

Today was a special day for the Navajo Nation as we held a peaceful inauguration for chapter and other local officials to carry out duties and service for our Navajo people. Unfortunately, this special day for many of our new and returning leaders and their families is being overshadowed by the violence occurring in Washington D.C. We pray that law and order will be restored for the federal government, and we pray that our nation heals from the divisive politics that has driven so much of the discord in our country. We must remember that the peaceful transition of power has always been a cornerstone of our country’s democracy and for the Navajo people. 

The division and the violence that has escalated today is unacceptable and must not be condoned or perpetuated by anyone, including our own Navajo people and leaders. We must be united as Navajo people, and not let the divisiveness we are seeing in Washington D.C. unfold in our homelands. Remember the teachings of our elders and the examples set by our past leaders and ancestors. Despite differences in views of society, politics, and values, we must always maintain respect and dignity for all people and each other.

Our country and the Navajo Nation are facing unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, but we are strong, and we are resilient —  our grandparents, parents, and many others have proven this time and time again throughout our history. In the midst of this pandemic, unprecedented numbers of COVID-19 infections, and the overwhelming of our health care system, it is important for all Americans to come together and to protect the institutions of democracy, the spirit and hope of democracy, and most importantly to protect the health and safety of all Americans. We ask you to join us in prayer for our Navajo people and our country at this time. Ahe’hee’”

Greater Phoenix Chamber President and CEO Todd Sanders released the following statement with Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Glenn Hamer:

“What we are seeing today on Capitol Hill is shameful and wrong. We urge a stop to this lawlessness.

Congress must be allowed to perform its constitutional duties and should be able to do so under calm and peaceful circumstances.

We are thankful that our delegation members are safe and we extend our deepest appreciation to Capitol Hill law enforcement for protecting them. We join leaders across the state of Arizona in calling for an immediate end to any violence.”