WASHINGTON — Former President George W. Bush on Wednesday called the “insurrection at the Capitol” a “sickening and heartbreaking sight,” saying “this is how election results are disputed in a banana republic — not our democratic republic.”
“Laura and I are watching the scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our nation’s government in disbelief and dismay,” he said, referring to his wife, former first lady Laura Bush.
The former president, while not mentioning President Donald Trump by name, said he was “appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement.”
“The violent assault on the Capitol — and disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting of Congress — was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes,” he said. “Insurrection could do grave damage to our nation and reputation.”
The Republican has typically avoided weighing in on the news of the day since he left the White House, making his statement, brimming with outrage, all the more remarkable.
The Dallas resident, who said this week that he would attend President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration scheduled for Jan. 20, said that “in the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law.”
He then addressed those “who are disappointed in the results of the election.”
“Our country is more important than the politics of the moment,” Bush said. “Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety. May God continue to bless the United States of America.”
