MLKS’ PUBLIC STATEMENT

INSURRECTION & VIOLENCE CONDEMNED, Washington, DC — January 06, 2021
January 10, 2021

“We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence."
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MLK Saratoga vehemently condemns the January 6, 2021 violent attack on our nation's Capitol. We were saddened and horrified as we watched a mob breach the Capitol building while lawmakers were working to certify Electoral College votes in the election to seal President-elect Joseph R. Biden’s victory. This was an unprecedented attack on our American democracy - precipitated, fueled and incited by President Trump who must be held accountable. Every terrorist involved in this horrific assault on our democracy needs to be prosecuted.

Protesting peacefully is a right. Violence, aggression and breaching security perimeters are not. The unpreparedness of Law Enforcement for this flagrantly planned attack is suspect. We cannot deny the glaring disparity between law enforcement’s response to white supremacists during premeditated violence and groups of predominantly Black people demonstrating to protect Black lives. This attempt to overthrow our democracy added to the open wounds of racism and highlighted the two justice systems that persist in the United States.

Let’s work to end racism.

— MLK Saratoga 2021 Membership