The following is a statement from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors Executive Committee: COG Board Chair Derrick Leon Davis, Prince George's County; COG Board Vice Chair Christian Dorsey, Arlington County; and COG Board Vice Chair Robert C. White Jr., District of Columbia.

"In times of crisis, real leaders demonstrate courage, collaborate, and lend aid — they don't stoke division and chaos.

"The rapid response by state and local elected officials, city and county managers, police and fire personnel, emergency managers, and 911 dispatchers from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia helped restore order after rioters stormed the Capitol and allowed the work of Congress to proceed. The violent mob failed. The democratic process prevailed.

"To all those who protected our nation's democracy and ensured the safety of our residents and neighborhoods, we commend you."