PNCI mourns the loss of five precious lives as a result of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. We condemn the violent actions that occurred and support the establishment of an independent commission to fully investigate what happened, how, and why as well as the steps needed to ensure it never happens again.

PNCI believes that members of the mob responsible for the death of a Capitol police officer, assault on law enforcement, or other acts of violence and destruction of property need to be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

There is no excuse for the horrifying actions that attempted to stop the democratic process.

The shocking scene brings to mind the words of former President Ronald Reagan who during his 1967 inaugural address as governor of California warned of the fragile nature of freedom.

Reagan said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and it's never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by way of inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.”

May his words directed to state lawmakers resonate with all those serving in public office today:

“With all the profound wording of our federal Constitution, probably the most meaningful words are the first three, ‘We, the People’. And those of us here today who have been elected to constitutional office and to the legislature are in that three word phrase. We are of the people, we are chosen by the people to see that no permanent structure of government ever encroaches on the people's freedom or assumes a power beyond that which has freely been granted to us by the people…

“Now, it is inconceivable to me that anyone could accept this delegated authority without asking Gods help. And I pray, that we of the legislature and the administration can be granted the wisdom and the strength beyond our own limited powers. That with divine guidance we can avoid easy expedience. That we can work to build a state where liberty under law and justice can triumph, where compassion can govern and wherein the people can participate and prosper because of their government and not in spite of it.”

PNCI prays that all lawmakers serving in office today will seek God’s help as they work to advance respect for the dignity of life from conception to natural death in law and policy. And may they be protected as they work to fulfill this noble responsibility.