Kim Urges Removal Of Trump As President Over Capitol Riot

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. Andy Kim joined the chorus of members of Congress calling for the removal of President Donald Trump from office, following Wednesday's insurrection inside the U.S. Capitol building.

Kim was on his way to the House floor when he learned the building had been breached, and was able to take refuge in his office during most of the riot, he told WPIX 11 News on Thursday morning.

"It was a horrifying scene," Kim, who represents parts of Ocean and Burlington counties in New Jersey's 3rd District, said during the interview.

In the 24 hours since, Kim said he was able to look back over the events and said Trump was directly responsible for urging the mob that stormed the building as Congress was meeting to certify the Electoral College vote and declare Joe Biden the president-elect.

"The violent insurrection we saw play out at our Capitol was the direct result of actions by President Trump," Kim said in a statement released Thursday evening. "His urging of actions that put our basic institutions at risk directly contradicts the oath he swore as President."

"It is clear to me, as it is to many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, that President Trump is not fit to continue in his role and incapable of leading our country," Kim said. "Our Constitution provides our government with options in these perilous times. It’s imperative that we come together – not just as Democrats and Republicans, but as Americans – to stand up for the health of our democracy and sanctity of our Constitution and remove President Trump from office immediately."

Kim urged his fellow members of Congress to "act decisively and aggressively," saying a failure to do so risks giving future presidents and generations the idea that similar behavior is allowable.

"We must draw a clear line that these actions from the President are, and will always be, unacceptable. This can never happen again," Kim said.

"Our democracy is a fragile thing," he said. "Yesterday was one of those moments in which it was brought to the brink."

"We have a chance in the coming weeks, with a new Congress and a new administration, to fix the way politics are done in America," Kim said. "We can show the American people that their elected officials are public servants, not political actors. We can do better, and that must start with the removal of this President."

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