CHICAGO, January 7, 2021 – The implications—and the images—of the U.S. Capitol being breached by violent insurrectionists are simply horrifying, as is the inexcusable role of President Trump and other government officials in supporting and encouraging these actions. NORC emphatically believes that people in America have the right to protest peacefully and raise their civic voices to express ideas and beliefs to our elected leaders. But as a matter of principle and deeply held values, we condemn violence, vandalism, and terrorism of any sort, especially when it is tied to this country’s history of racial inequity. What we all witnessed in Washington, DC yesterday crossed the line by any measure as it jeopardized public safety, put people’s lives at risk, and damaged trust in our democracy. We have every hope and expectation that the new administration will conduct a thorough and just investigation of the dangerous and shameful events of January 6th and prosecute those responsible for illegal behavior.