Statement: Insurrection at U.S. Capitol

Contact: Amy Dominguez, Communications Coordinator, HECHO, (303) 441-5146, amy@hechoonline.org

Washington D.C. -- Last week, we witnessed the consequences of the dissemination of misinformation, and the perpetuation of white supremacy in the violence enacted at the U.S. Capitol.  

Like many of you, we were shocked and saddened as we watched insurrection ensue, our nation’s Capitol breached by white nationalist groups and others who were emboldened by the leader of our country to undermine our fair and honest elections. To see the mob fight their way into the Capitol, and to learn that our country’s leaders were evacuated for their safety, was surreal. It was absolutely jarring and unacceptable.  

The violent actions taken at the Capitol threaten our democracy, and diminishes the democratic principles that uphold our country. We condemn the actions taken on Capitol Hill, and support swift action in bringing those involved in this act of insurgence, to justice. As a country, we must unite in rejecting the rhetoric of the insurgence, and holding those involved accountable – including our President, whom Congress has voted to impeach and whom we hope the Senate will vote to convict when the time comes.  

Like our U.S. Capitol, public lands belong to all of us. They are an embodiment of our democracy, symbolizing equity, freedom, and fairness. We will continue to advocate for their protection as we empower our communities by building engagement in democratic process, and elevating our voices as a powerful force for conservation and against white supremacy.  

We maintain that a peaceful transfer of power is essential to a functioning democracy, which allows us to continue our work connecting our communities to nature, and to each other. We eagerly anticipate new leadership that must emphasize equity and justice to secure a safe and viable future where all can enjoy our public lands for generations to come. 

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