PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island legislative employees are working from home Thursday out of caution because of violence at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon, when a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol in an unsuccessful attempt to overturn certification of the presidential election.
The directive to the employees came down from leadership of the R.I. General Assembly, with House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio issuing a joint statement.
“After consultation with the State Police, due to the events in Washington, the House Speaker and Senate President have advised all legislative employees to work from home. They feel it is in the best interest of all employees.”
State Police Colonel James Manni said that although there is no credible threat, security measures have been increased at the Rhode Island State House.
As the events were unfolding yesterday, Ruggerio weighed in with the following statement condemning the action:
“President Trump and his allies, who enable him, have again shown themselves to be dangerous threats to our democracy. They perpetuate a false myth of widespread voter fraud because they don’t like the clear results of the November election. President Trump himself incited the assault on democracy that we witnessed this afternoon. This seditious attempt to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power is tantamount to a coup attempt. It is a disgrace. If he had any shame, he would be ashamed. My prayers are with everyone in the capitol building today. I look forward with hope to January 20, when the Biden administration will begin the process of healing divisions that have been stoked at every turn by the current president.”
Rhode Island’s U.S. Attorney, Aaron L. Weisman’s office stated that Rhode Islanders will be prosecuted if they committed crimes at the U.S. Capitol. Weisman’s office issued a statement on Twitter asserting that violators will be “prosecuted in Rhode Island to the fullest extent of federal law.”
We, together with our federal, state, & local law-enforcement partners, are committed to prosecuting those who traveled from RI to commit federal crimes at our Nation’s Capitol. Anyone who did so can expect to be prosecuted in Rhode Island to the fullest extent of federal law.
— US Attorney RI (@USAO_RI) January 7, 2021
The storming of the Capitol could lead to potential legal exposure for individuals involved in the rioting, including trespassing (misdemeanor), entering a restricted government building (misdemeanor), entering a restricted government weapon with a weapon, or causing injury (felony), and physical damage to government property (misdemeanor).
Misdemeanors carry fines and up to a year in prison. The felony count listed carries a maximum prison terms of 10 years.
Cassius Shuman is a PBN staff writer. You may reach him at Shuman@PBN.com.
