During the protest, a violent clash broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and police. With the Capitol under lockdown and lawmakers sheltering in place, Congressional members from both sides of the aisle took to social media to call on the protesters to stop.
SEE ALSO: Shots reportedly fired in US Capitol as lawmakers evacuate, pro-Trump protesters swarm
Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger called the current events a “coup attempt.”
Kinzinger also called out Trump, claiming he is “not protecting the country.”
Florida Sen. Marco Rubio also called out President Trump and said, “It is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.”
Mr. President @realDonaldTrump the men & women of law enforcement are under assault. It is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 6, 2021
Prior to that, Rubio also tweeted that the events at Capitol Hill are “a third world style anti-American anarchy.”
There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill. This is 3rd world style anti-American anarchy.
— Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) January 6, 2021
Rep. Brian Mast of Florida called the scene “unpatriotic” and called on the protesters to stop “so we can return to our democratic process.”
Attacking our Capitol and the selfless law enforcement officers defending it is as unpatriotic and appalling as it gets. The people who are doing that must stop so we can return to our democratic process!
— Rep. Brian Mast (@RepBrianMast) January 6, 2021
WATCH: Video shows pro-Trump protesters scaling US Capitol Building
Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse shared with followers that he was safe and had been evacuated.
I am safe. Thanks so many for asking. Senators have been evacuated to a nearby building. Waiting for Capitol Police to retake Capitol and restore order.
— Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) January 6, 2021
Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey described the incident as an “absolute disgrace.”
This is an absolute disgrace. I appreciate the work of the United States Capitol Police under difficult circumstances. I am currently safe as are the few members of my staff that are currently at the Capitol complex.
— Senator Pat Toomey (@SenToomey) January 6, 2021
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas tweeted at protesters that “violence is ALWAYS wrong.” He added that those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.”
Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW.
The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence—from Left or Right— is ALWAYS wrong.
And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021
As the events unfolded, Cruz tweeted “violence is unacceptable. Even when passions run high.”
Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high.
Anyone engaged in violence—especially against law enforcement—should be fully prosecuted.
God bless the Capitol Police and the honorable men & women of law enforcement who show great courage keeping all of us safe.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) January 6, 2021
SEE ALSO: Lockdown interrupts joint session to confirm Biden’s win as Trump supporters storm Capitol Hill
California Rep. Karen Basse said she was safe and, like Kinzinger, also called the incident a “coup.”
I am safe in a secure location.
The President of the United States is inciting a coup.
We will not be intimidated. We will not be deterred.
— Congressmember Bass (@RepKarenBass) January 6, 2021
Rep. Judy Chu added that Trump and his supporters “who are spreading lies about the election are responsible and they need to put an end to this incitement.”
I am safe and in lockdown in the Capitol. The President and his supporters who are spreading lies about the election are responsible and they need to put an end to this incitement.
— Judy Chu (@RepJudyChu) January 6, 2021
While Rep. Eric Swalwell also added that, “Any elected official who does not denounce this full-frontal assault on our democracy is assisting a coup attempt on the Capitol.”
As Representatives, we swear on oath to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
Any elected official who does not denounce this full frontal assault on our democracy is assisting a coup attempt on the Capitol.
— Rep. Eric Swalwell (@RepSwalwell) January 6, 2021
In the midst of the events, President Trump also took to Twitter to call on his supports to “remain peaceful” and to respect law enforcement.
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
SEE ALSO: Trump tells protesters who swarm Capitol in DC to ‘go home’; 1 reportedly shot during melee
Vice President Mike Pence, who, as Senate president, presided over the electoral confirmation as the chaos began, also tweeted to followers. “The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now,” Pence tweeted.
The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021
Maryland Sen. Bill Cassidy called on Trump to “condemn the violence” taking place on Capitol Hill.
.@realDonaldTrump please appear on TV, condemn the violence and tell people to disband.
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) January 6, 2021
Minneapolis Rep. Ilhan Omar shared on Twitter she was drawing up Articles of Impeachment, adding “Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate. We can’t allow him to remain in office, it’s a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.”
I am drawing up Articles of Impeachment.
Donald J. Trump should be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate.
We can’t allow him to remain in office, it’s a matter of preserving our Republic and we need to fulfill our oath.
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 6, 2021
During the series of events, a woman was reportedly shot inside the U.S. Capitol amid a melee with Trump supporters, sources told ABC News. She was seriously injured, sources said. It is unclear what led to the shooting or if law enforcement was involved.
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