Former Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) called on the GOP to “awaken” after a pro-Trump mob overtook police and marauded through the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
“I once said the party of Lincoln and Reagan is off taking a nap. The nap has become a nightmare for our nation,” Boehner tweeted on Thursday.
“The GOP must awaken. The invasion of our Capitol by a mob, incited by lies from some entrusted with power, is a disgrace to all who sacrificed to build our Republic.”
Rioters seized the Capitol in one of the darkest moments of Wednesday as lawmakers were meeting to count the results of the Electoral College vote that would make Democrat Joe Biden president.
The work was interrupted by the riot, but it continued at 8 p.m. Wednesday and finished early Thursday morning.
Boehner congratulated Biden on his victory hours after the vote was certified.
Trump has not condemned the violence, though he repeatedly urged the protesters to “remain peaceful” on Twitter. Before the siege of the Capitol took place, Trump addressed demonstrators, urging them to “not concede.”
Boehner left the Speakership in 2015 at a time when he was facing pressure from Tea Party-fueled conservatives in the House.