US Politicians React to Capitol Takeover on Twitter: ‘A National Embarrassment'
"There is nothing patriotic about what is occurring on Capitol Hill," tweeted Sen. Marco Rubio
By Sarah Glover ••
NBCUniversal Media, LLC
A Slate journalist captured the moment protesters attempted to break into the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday by smashing the glass window panes of a door.
Members of Congress were working to certify Electoral College results that declare Joe Biden as the next president of the United States when some pro-Trump supporters, later described as a mob, overtook law enforcement outside and entered the halls of Congress Wednesday.
A number of the pro-Trump supporters escalated the peaceful protest outside the U.S. Capitol into a disturbing attack on the Democratic process when they breached security barriers, bypassed law enforcement and took over the Capitol building.
President Donald Trump took to Twitter to again allege election fraud. Twitter labeled his tweet: "This claim about election fraud is disputed." Politicians from both parties weighed in on Trump's rhetoric. Sen. Cory Booker tweeted, "Donald Trump incited this. He is responsible for this."
On August 24, 1814, the British stormed our Capitol and set fire to it.
Now the Capitol has again been breached and sieged.
Donald Trump incited this. He is responsible for this. And he is silent as this tragic moment continues.
After some of the rioters strolled into the House chambers, broke windows, roamed the Senate floor and took cellphone photos, tear gas was dispatched, guns were drawn, dozens were arrested, and four people died including Ashli Babbit, an insurrectionist and Trump loyalist who was shot inside the Capitol.
"Leave the building," Vice President Mike Pence tweeted.
Sen. Lindsey Graham described the day's events as "a national embarrassment" and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser enacted a 6 p.m. curfew for Washington, D.C.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Capitol police stand with guns drawn near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol’s Rotunda on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol’s Rotunda on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol’s Rotunda on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Kevin Dietsch/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images
U.S. Capitol police officers take positions as demonstrators enter the U.S. Capitol during a protest in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021.
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber on Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol’s Rotunda as reported tear gas smoke fills a corridor on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
US Capitol police officers try to stop supporters of US President Donald Trump to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump roam under the Capitol Rotunda after invading the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
US Capitol police officers try to stop supporters of US President Donald Trump to enter the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump confront Capitol police officers enter the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
Supporters of US President Donald Trump roam under the Capitol Rotunda after invading the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by Saul LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
Police hold back supporters of US President Donald Trump as they gather outside the US Capitol’s Rotunda on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Win McNamee/Getty Images
Protesters gather inside the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
A protester is seen inside the US Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits at a desk after invading the Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol’s Rotunda on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol’s Rotunda on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/AP
Capitol police try to hold back protesters outside the east doors to the House side of the Capitol in Washington, DC, Jan. 6, 2021.
J. Scott Applewhite/AP
House of Representatives members leave the floor of the House chamber as protesters try to break into the chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
Andrew Harnik/AP
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the Capitol, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: Protesters interact with Capitol Police inside the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Congress held a joint session today to ratify President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump. A group of Republican senators said they would reject the Electoral College votes of several states unless Congress appointed a commission to audit the election results. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
TOPSHOT – Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early on January 7, 2021 in Washington, DC, after supporters of US President Donald Trump breeched security and entered the building during a session of Congress. – Donald Trump’s supporters stormed a session of Congress held today, January 6, to certify Joe Biden’s election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the president was attempting a coup. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY / AFP) (Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: Two members of a pro-Trump mob look out through a broken window from inside the Capitol Building after breaking into it on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation’s capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: A member of a pro-Trump mob screams out at the crowd from the inside of the Capitol Building after breaking into it on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation’s capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 06: A member of a pro-Trump mob shatters a window with his fist from inside the Capitol Building after breaking into it on January 6, 2021 in Washington, DC. A pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol, breaking windows and clashing with police officers. Trump supporters gathered in the nation’s capital today to protest the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over President Trump in the 2020 election. (Photo by Jon Cherry/Getty Images)
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021 in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump sit inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
(Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)
A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protest inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
(Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they gather inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)
(Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they gather inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)
(Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they gather inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC on January 6, 2021. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)
(Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP via Getty Images)
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)
Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington, DC. – Demonstrators breeched security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the a 2020 presidential election Electoral Vote Certification. (Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT / AFP)
(Photo By Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 6: A U.S. Capitol Police officer maces a Trump rioter who broke through a window on the first floor of the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Photo By Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
(Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
A Congress staffer holds his hands up while Capitol Police Swat team check everyone in the room as they secure the floor of Trump suporters in Washington, CD on January 6, 2021. – Donald Trump’s supporters stormed a session of Congress held today, January 6, to certify Joe Biden’s election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the president was attempting a coup. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY / AFP)
(Photo By Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – JANUARY 6: A U.S. Capitol Police officer is treated for injuries on the first floor of the Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Photo By Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
(Photo by OLIVIER DOULIERY/AFP via Getty Images)
A Capitol Police Swat team member patrols the US Capitol in Washington, CD on January 6, 2021. – Donald Trump’s supporters stormed a session of Congress held today, January 6, to certify Joe Biden’s election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the president was attempting a coup. (Photo by Olivier DOULIERY / AFP)
Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images
A members of the U.S. Capitol Police responds to demonstrators at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. The U.S. Capitol was placed under lockdown and Vice President Mike Pence left the floor of Congress as hundreds of protesters swarmed past barricades surrounding the building where lawmakers were debating Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College. Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Members of the U.S. Capitol Police respond to the demonstrators at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. The U.S. Capitol was placed under lockdown and Vice President Mike Pence left the floor of Congress as hundreds of protesters swarmed past barricades surrounding the building where lawmakers were debating Joe Biden’s victory in the Electoral College. Photographer: Ting Shen/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Trump posted a recorded video message to Twitter and said the election was stolen. The tweet was later deleted.
"The world's watching and like so many other Americans, I am genuinely shocked and saddened that our nation, so long the beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment," President-elect Joe Biden said at a news conference.
While sheltering in place Wednesday, Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin called on President Donald Trump to put an end to the chaos that ensued after protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol building. “Mr. President, you have got to stop this,” he said. “You are the only person who can call this off. Call it off. The election is over. Call it off. This is bigger than you.”
Earlier in the day, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rebuked the effort by Republicans to overturn the election results.
McConnell said that "our democracy would enter a death spiral" if the election results were not upheld.
"The scenes we saw today will inspire others to take advantage. This is a serious moment in our history and we ought to not excuse it as a line of protest. A line was crossed today," said former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in an interview with Savannah Guthrie of NBC News.
The Capitol reopened to lawmakers, legislative staffers and press at about 7:30 p.m. local time so that Congress could reconvene to certify Biden's win.
Republicans and Democrats communicated with constituents on Twitter and shared their reactions to what Bowser called "unlawful behavior."
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.
.@SenSchumer and I are calling on President Trump to demand that all protestors leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol grounds immediately. pic.twitter.com/z6D8qb6bpe
I join President-elect @JoeBiden in calling for the assault on the Capitol and our nation’s public servants to end, and as he said, “allow the work of democracy to go forward.”
In this moment of unrest, violence and anger, we must remember the words of Dr. King, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” Let each of us try to be a light to see our country out of this dark moment.
— Senator-Elect Reverend Raphael Warnock (@ReverendWarnock) January 6, 2021
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.
Thank you to the brave law enforcement officials who have put their lives on the line. The violence must end, those who attacked police and broke the law must be prosecuted, and Congress must get back to work and finish its job
— Senator Hawley Press Office (@SenHawleyPress) January 6, 2021
Donald J. Trump should immediately be impeached by the House of Representatives & removed from office by the United States Senate as soon as Congress reconvenes.
I am disgusted by the lawless acts of violence being perpetrated at the Capitol. Disgraceful. A sad day in American history. The world is watching. We are the United States of America. We must be better than this. We ARE better than this.
I’m in the Capitol. I’m safe, and my team and I are sheltering in place.
The President of the United States has incited a riot that has now stormed the Capitol. There are rioters roaming the halls of the Capitol. I saw them with my own eyes.
Call it what it is: An attack on the Capitol is an attack on democracy. Today we are trying to use the democratic process to address grievances. This violence inhibits our ability to do that. Violent protests were unacceptable this summer and are unacceptable now.
While I am in Miami recovering from COVID-19, I’m deeply troubled by what is happening in Washington.
I am praying for the safety of my colleagues & our law enforcement. 🙏🏻
There is absolutely no place for violence and rioting in the U.S. Capitol!
— Rep. María Elvira Salazar (@RepMariaSalazar) January 6, 2021
Make no mistake: the domestic terrorism at the U.S. Capitol by armed protestors is not only Trump's fault alone.
This is the result of leaders in the Republican Party fueling conspiracy, division, and hatred for years. And it won't be fixed until they lose their office.
It’s entirely outrageous that the defeated president is egging on racist white supremacists for violent action, disrupting a peaceful transfer of power.
Have no doubt: Joe Biden will be sworn in as President in 2 weeks.
We are locked in the House Chamber. They have suspended debate. We have just been briefed the Capitol has been breached. They are asking us to put on masks for tear gas. Violence has no place in our politics. This needs to stop now!
I was in the House Chamber. Then we were on lockdown, then evacuated and now we are safe. We remain steadfast in our resolve to defend our democracy today.
The Capitol has been breached. Both chambers have been evacuated. This is not peaceful protest, this is domestic terrorism. This violence is direct result of Trump undermining our democratic process simply because he didn't like the results. Shameful and completely reckless. https://t.co/X6F181i2sh
— Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (@RepStricklandWA) January 6, 2021
After 5 hours I’ve been rescued from my hiding place. Now i can show you my DIY barricade and gas masks. Protestors were right outside the door chanting ‘USA USA’ it was scary but i am ok! Thanks all for your prayers. pic.twitter.com/OX3rfM35zH
