Opening Day 2021
Today I was sworn in to my second term representing Connecticut’s 2nd Assembly District.
The ceremony which is usually held indoors was held outside the Capitol Building due to COVID-19 concerns. At the same time there was a rally called "Storm the Capitol" made up of people protesting an array of issues from masks and vaccines to the election of Joe Biden.
I am grateful to the State Capitol Police who were able to protect the protestor’s First Amendment rights while allowing us to conduct the swearing in ceremony without incident.
In stark contrast, the attack on the U.S. Capitol was not a protest. It was an act of insurrection designed to terrorize, stoke violence, and break our spirit.
These actions, which give comfort to enemies of democracy, are patently un-American. Anti-democratic attempts to subvert our sacred electoral process are the acts of traitors, not patriots.
Sadly, this is now part of America and we must face it head on. These domestic terrorists who attempt to sabotage the peaceful transfer of power - a fundamental element of our system of government - must be brought to justice. They will not succeed. Our country's will is too strong.
Praying for everyone on Capitol Hill including many of my friends and former colleagues.