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Ted Cruz denies role in Capitol riot as Twitter demands his resignation, blames Trump for 'irresponsible rhetoric'

'The Department of Justice should vigorously prosecute everyone who was involved in these brazen acts of violence,' Cruz said

Ted Cruz has reportedly refused his involvement in the Capitol building riots amid calls for his resignation. In a statement on Thursday, January 7, the Senator said, “The attack at the Capitol was a despicable act of terrorism and a shocking assault on our democratic system. The Department of Justice should vigorously prosecute everyone who was involved in these brazen acts of violence.”

“Millions of Americans who have peacefully expressed their deep concerns regarding election integrity deserve to have their voices heard. I very much wish Congress had not set aside these concerns, but I respect the position each of my colleagues took. Debate in the two houses of Congress is the proper way to resolve our political differences, not through violent attacks,” he stated, before adding, “Now, Congress must fulfill our constitutional responsibility to complete the Electoral College certification process. We must, and I am confident we will, have a peaceful and orderly transition of power, pursuant to the Constitution."

Meanwhile, despite the reports stating that Cruz led some of the GOP members who were going to object to Joe Biden’s victory and started fundraising in the midst of riots, the 50-year-old claimed his innocence. “Not remotely. What I was doing and what the other senators were doing is what we were elected to do, which is debating matters of great import in the chamber of the United States Senate,” he said. But he did blame President Donald Trump for the deadly protests as Kens 5 quoted him saying, “I think the president's rhetoric was irresponsible. I think it was reckless."

However, several politicians as well as people on Twitter are not happy with Cruz. One of the politicians who blasted the Texan was Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after Cruz called her a “liar”. In response, the 31-year-old shared a screenshot of his message and tweeted, “Oh — you’re accusing me of lying? Isn’t this you? Your campaign sent out this fundraising message as people were sieging the Capitol. You claimed to be ‘leading the fight to reject electors.’ Clashes started around 1.20 pm. This message was sent after the Capitol was breached.”

Texas Democrat Joaquin Castro also called for Cruz’s resignation as he said from the Capitol in a virtual interview with The Texas Tribune, “He has conducted himself shamelessly, and I think he has done this because he believes it's the only way, the only chance that he has to win the Republican nomination for president.” While Houston Chief of Police Art Acevedo tweeted, “Shame on you @tedcruz, @GOPLeader, and all who fed the false narrative about our election, which has led to what we are witnessing in our Nation’s Capitol. You fanned the flames of mistrust and history will hold you accountable for the ensuing chaos. Outrageous!”

Besides, the Internet also blamed Cruz for “killing” a cop who died during the riot. One user shared a video of him on Twitter and wrote, “Ted Cruz 72 hrs. before whipping up the MAGA cult with some 1776 crazy. Then sending a fundraising plea while The Capitol was under siege. Subverting democracy and inciting violent insurrection is just another grift to Ted. #RESIGNCRUZ #TedCruzKilledaCop.” Another one said, “Words have consequences. Ted actually knows better. Blood is on his hands. #TedCruzKilledaCop.”

“Senator Ted Cruz... Knowingly lied to the public, Objected to a lawful certified election, Undermined our democracy, Whipped up millions of angry voters, Incited a violent insurrection, Got 5 Americans (1 cop) killed, Pretended to be outraged #TedCruzKilledaCop #RESIGNCRUZ,” the third user added.