#NatSecGirlSquad Statement on Attack at the US Capitol Building

On January 6th, 2021, violent, armed, insurrectionists - including nazis, descended upon Washington, D.C., - our capital and my home, with the explicit, express wish of disrupting the certification of Joe Biden’s election to the presidency - by whatever means necessary.

I am saddened to see that these treasonous people, directed by elected individuals, were able to violently mob the US Capitol Building and disrupt the election certification process for several hours.

Today’s developments were not a surprise- anyone who has ever been a woman, or GD forbid a trans woman of color, on the internet could have told you that years ago- and probably did. This action came after years of misinformation and disinformation - and intentional behavior by elected officials.

Treason is defined as the crime of betraying one’s country especially by attempting to kill the leader or overthrow the government. What we watched today - what many, many members of our community experienced first-hand today, was an act of treason. Each and every individual that participated in today’s activities, encouraged it or provided material support should be arrested and tried. That includes elected officials.

First: To the members of our community who were attacked at work today: we are here for you. Anything you need- groceries, financial support for counseling services, a safe place to stay. Anything. As we continue to reach out to each office, please do not hesitate to reach out to us first. You can contact me directly at mfp@unicornstrategies.com.

Next: To our friends, allies, and partners around the world: You have my word, on behalf of the entire #NatSecGirlSquad community, that we will do whatever it takes to rebuild our relationships from the damage done by this President and Administration. That is a promise and you can hold me to it.

As I watched today’s attack unfold from my living room floor, I was overcome by the same feeling that brought me to Washington, D.C. - a deep desire to serve my country. And as our community came together to check on one another, offering shelter and supplies to each other without hesitation in the face of an ongoing pandemic, I knew I was not in that feeling.

There has never been a day that I felt more determined to serve in government. And after four years of particularly challenging times - it’s almost a wonder I feel that way - almost.

What we saw today, what we’ve seen in recent months, years, decades, and centuries is not good enough. it isn’t good enough for me, for this community, or for anyone who loves this country.

Why? Because nothing is ever good enough, and it shouldn’t be.

Public service is about building a more just society. It is about striving for more and better for everyone, always.

I love America. More specifically, I love what America could be. And no one, least of all a bunch of treasonous insurrectionists gets to take my country from me.

While traitors stormed the Capitol, A Black and a Jew were elected Senators in Georgia. Two months ago, A Black and South Asian woman was elected Vice President. The Department of Homeland Security will be led by a Jewban - a Cuban Jew. The Secretary of State is the child of Holocaust Survivors. The UN Ambassador is a Black woman. A woman will be the Director of National Intelligence, The Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense. I could go on and on and on.

Washington gets written as a place full of fancy dinners and overpriced cocktails and sharp elbows and shady deals. And sure, that exists. But Washington, D.C. is, first and foremost, Chocolate City. And it is the capital of this Country. And this Country runs on unpaid and underpaid interns and janitorial and food service workers and staffers who hid under desks and in SCIFs and are, as we speak, continuing to certify the election of our next President.

LAST MONTH, OVER 600 MEMBERS OF #NATSECGIRLSQUAD CAME TOGETHER VIRTUALLY FOR OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE, #NSGSCON2020. OUR UNOFFICIAL THEME WAS WE SHOW UP. WHAT HAPPENED TODAY WAS AN AVOIDABLE TRAGEDY AND ALL INVOLVED MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. AND- WE WILL KEEP SHOWING UP.

TO ANYONE WHO WANTS TO ENTERTAIN THE IDEA OF “VERY FINE PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES,” GO TO HELL.

THERE IS ONE SIDE- THAT SIDE IS AMERICA.WE HAVE WORK TO DO- EVERYONE ELSE CAN GET OUT OF THE WAY.

STAY SAFE. BE WELL. GD BLESS YOU – AND GD BLESS AMERICA.

-Maggie Feldman-Piltch, on Behalf of Team #NATSECGIRLSQUAD