Hawley Defends Decision to Object to Electoral Certification: ‘I Will Not Bow to a Lawless Mob’

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) is doubling down on his decision to object to the Electoral College results one week after angry Trump supporters launched an attack on the U.S. Capitol.

In an op-ed published in the Southeast Missourian, Hawley accused the media and lawmakers of suggesting individuals who expressed concerns surrounding the integrity of the election “incited violence.”

He argued, “That’s false. And the allegation itself is corrosive and dangerous.”

Hawley continued, “Let me say again, as I have said before: the lawless violence at the Capitol last week was criminal. There can be no quibbling about that. Those who engaged in it should be prosecuted and punished.”

He stressed violence “undermines the democratic process.”

Hawley added, “That applies to mobs of any and all political persuasions. Mob violence is always wrong.”

He claimed several Missouri citizens have “deep concerns” about the integrity of elections.

“They want Congress to take action to see that our elections at every level are free, fair, and secure. They have a right to be heard in Congress. And as their representative, it is my duty to speak on their behalf. That is just what I did last week,” Hawley wrote.

He noted he specifically objected with regard to the way Pennsylvania held its elections.

Hawley claimed the Pennsylvania Supreme Court changed the timeline for when mail-in ballots could be returned.

“And when Pennsylvania citizens tried to go to court to object, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court threw out the case on procedural grounds, in violation of its own precedent,” Hawley said.

He explained he also objected to make a point about the influence big tech has had in the election in favor of Biden.

“Some wondered why I stuck with my objection following the violence at the Capitol. The reason is simple: I will not bow to a lawless mob, or allow criminals to drown out the legitimate concerns of my constituents,” Hawley said.