Rep. Pramila Jayapal, who represents Seattle, is one of the handful of Democratic lawmakers not attending President Donald J. Trump's State of the Union.
"It is unacceptable to see the racism and the hatred coming out of the White House, as Donald Trump continues to pour gasoline on the flames of hatred and divisiveness by demeaning entire countries," Jayapal wrote in an email to her supporters on Monday.
She also posted her stance to Twitter, where more than 200,000 people have watched a video of her message.
Reps. John Lewis of Georgia, Maxine Waters of California, Frederica Wilson of Florida, and Earl Blumenauer of Oregon are among other lawmakers skipping SOTU. Their decision to not attend comes in the wake of reports that the President made vulgar remarks aimed at African nations.
Democratic caucus members are planning ways to protest during Trump’s speech in addition to opting out of the SOTU. In an email on Tuesday, Jayapal -- who also didn't attend Trump's inauguration ceremony last year -- wrote she would join activists in resisting racism, though it's unclear if the councilwoman will be attending any alternate events that day.
The SOTU is Jan. 30. KIRO 7 News will have it live on-air and online here.
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