WAPT-TV Jackson
Hyde-Smith calls mob that attacked U.S. Capitol ‘criminals’
Senator says it was a terrible day for the country
By Ross Adams
BOLTON, Miss. — U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith said the mob of people who stormed the U.S. Capitol last week are criminals who need to be prosecuted.
Hyde-Smith said she was inside the Senate Chamber when the mob invaded the building.
“Were you scared for your safety?” 16 WAPT’s Ross Adams asked.
“Oh yeah, and you forget what that’s about. Like I said, it was just a terrible day for the country. It was just a sad day. We’ve got to get past this,” Hyde-Smith said.
The assault on the Capitol happened during a joint session of Congress, where lawmakers had gathered to certify the Electoral College votes that cemented President-elect Joe Biden’s victory over President Donald Trump. Some members of Congress believe Trump should be held personally responsible for instigating the insurrection.
“Do you think the president should resign or be impeached,” Adams asked.
“We are going on about our day. We have a busy schedule, so we’re going to get it on. And we’ve got 10 days left. Let’s get through the 10 days. He will leave office and let’s get on with things,” Hyde-Smith said.
Hyde-Smith was among a handful of Republican senators who objected to certifying votes from two states after the riot at the Capitol.
“Why did you vote to object to certifying the electoral votes?” Adams asked.
“Because I am representing my state and the people that sent me to D.C.,” the senator said.
Hyde-Smith said Biden, not Trump, will be the next president.
“President Biden is going to be President Biden,” she said.
“So you’re acknowledging that Joe Biden is president elect?” Adams asked.
“He’s going to be sworn in Jan. 20,” Hyde-Smith said.
Hyde-Smith said she plans to attend Biden’s inauguration even after questioning whether he won the election fair and square.
Other Mississippi lawmakers have also made it clear where they stand on the impeachment of Trump, after Democrats formally introduced the impeachment resolution Monday.
Senator Roger Wicker, who voted to accept the results of the Electoral College vote and recognize Joe Biden as President, stated that he is in opposition to efforts to remove Trump from the presidency.
“In accordance with our Constitution, the orderly transfer of power will occur at noon on January 20,"
Wicker said in a statement. "The best way for our country to heal and move past the events of last week would be for this process to continue.”
Wicker also told 16 WAPT that he plans to attend Biden's inauguration, just as he has those of Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama and Trump. He also said he hopes Trump changes his mind about not attending the ceremony.
"The orderly transfer of power is one of the majestic symbols of our republic," he said. "I hope President Trump will reconsider and attend as an important statement of the continuation of this principle.”
Congressman Michael Guest stated he believes it is important to allow our nation to heal and he believes the actions being pushed on the house floor would prevent the nation from beginning that healing process.
Democratic Congressman Bennie Thompson tweeted in response to Republican statements on healing, saying "Republicans want healing now that they've been exposed...we see you."
Thompson has made it clear that he believes Trump should be removed from office immediately.