About 200 Trump supporters stage rally at Kansas Statehouse

Associated Press
Posted:
Updated:
by Associated Press
kansas-capitol-building
File photo of Kansas Capitol

By JOHN HANNA AP Political Writer

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — About 200 supporters of President Donald Trump rallied Wednesday at the Kansas Statehouse to show their support for overturning President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

(Latest from US Capitol)

Trump’s supporters listened to speeches promoting Trump’s baseless claims about election fraud and suggesting that the COVID-19 pandemic has been exaggerated.

They chanted “stop the steal,” “four more years” and “no more masks,” a reference to many Trump supporters’ opposition to coronavirus restrictions such as requiring people to wear masks in public.

The protest was the same day Congress was supposed to certify the Democratic president-elect’s Electoral College. The count was interrupted when pro-Trump protesters stormed and occupied the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

After the rally in Topeka, dozens of Trump’s supporters entered the Statehouse peacefully, one by one or in small groups and milled around, glanced at historical exhibits and sat on benches. The building was open as it usually during the week.

The lights in the governor’s outer, ceremonial office were off and the door was locked, and the door to most of her staff’s office also was locked. Her office did not respond to texts seeking an explanation.

Trump carried Kansas easily in November to capture its six electoral votes.

U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner strongly condemns the violence at the United States Capitol

WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Representative Jake LaTurner issued the following statement on the violence at the United States Capitol:

“The lawless behavior at the U.S. Capitol is reprehensible and has no place in our country. This is a stain on American history, and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. The First Amendment guarantees the right of Americans to peacefully assemble, and I will always defend that right. This is un-American and an utter betrayal of that founding principle. This must stop now.”

Sen. Moran Condemns Violence & Destruction at U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) today issued the following statement following the breach of the U.S. Capitol:

“I condemn the violence and destruction at the U.S. Capitol in the strongest possible terms. It is completely unacceptable and unpatriotic. This is a sad day for our nation and it is an unwelcome reminder that our democracy is fragile.

“God Bless the Capitol Police and our law enforcement officers. Please pray for our nation.”