Washington -- Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) released the following statement today regarding the actions of anti-war protestors who marred the West Front of the United States Capitol with anarchist symbols and other graffiti:

"The men and women of the United States Capitol Police should be commended for their round-the-clock efforts to protect our nation’s Capitol, all who work here, and the many people who pay visit to the heart of our democratic system. 

"However, I am extremely upset that Capitol Police officers were not given authority to stop anti-war protestors from defacing the Capitol complex during a protest on Saturday.  We live in a nation that treasures the right to free speech and expression – but painting graffiti on an emblem of those rights is totally unacceptable.  There is a big difference between free speech and vandalism.  The actions of the protestors were spiteful, unnecessary, and should be condemned.  The people who would dare to do this hate the President more than they love their country, and they must be stopped.

"There will have to be an open, public investigation into the orders given to the Capitol Police prior to the anti-war rally.  If the Democrat leaders responsible for advising the Capitol Police force put the interests of anti-war protestors above the sanctity of the grounds of the Capitol, the American public deserves to know."