The counting of Electoral College votes in Congress on Wednesday devolved into chaos as pro-Trump extremists stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Republican Senator James Lankford was on the floor objecting to the counting of the vote when the Capitol building was put on lockdown.
#BREAKING: Senators pause Electoral College debate amid Capitol Hill protests.
— The Hill (@thehill) January 6, 2021
Aide to Sen. James Lankford: "Protesters are in the building." pic.twitter.com/GNOCrtpAuN
You can hear an aide telling Lankford protesters were in the building.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma Republican Congressman Markwayne Mullin told ABC News he witnessed a shooting.
"That person who came through the door, you know, I was right there when they came to the door and when that person got shot. And it’s a tragic situation that took place," Mullin said.
Law enforcement officers point their guns at a door that was vandalized in the House Chamber during a joint session of #Congress after Trump supporters breached the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC #USCapitol #CapitolBuilding 📷: @drewangerer pic.twitter.com/1eGd4keemK
— Getty Images News (@GettyImagesNews) January 6, 2021
The insurrection attempt at the U.S. Capitol came after President Donald Trump’s rally in Washington earlier in the day, and will not stop the affirmation of Democrat Joe Biden as the next President.
My staff and I are safe and grateful to all law enforcement for risking their safety to protect us. This violence and disrespect for our Constitution and our republic is unacceptable and must stop now.
— Sen. Jim Inhofe (@JimInhofe) January 6, 2021
Peaceful demonstration is an American value - violent destruction is not. Attacking police and destroying the Capitol is never a pursuit of truth and freedom. Never
— Sen. James Lankford (@SenatorLankford) January 6, 2021
My staff and I are safe inside the Capitol Complex. I thank the Capitol Police who are risking their safety to protect my colleagues and our staff.
— Frank Lucas (@RepFrankLucas) January 6, 2021
I unequivocally condemn the violence and riots seen today in and around the Capitol, and I pray for the restoration of peace.
I am outraged by the lawless protests that unfolded at the U.S. Capitol today. While Americans have the right to passionately voice their views & peacefully dissent in protest, I strongly condemn the perpetrators of this destructive & violent activity.
— Rep. Tom Cole (@TomColeOK04) January 6, 2021
I 100% support peaceful protest but this is not it. What is happening at the Capitol right now is unacceptable and it has to stop immediately.
— Markwayne Mullin (@RepMullin) January 6, 2021
I support peaceful protest ONLY, the violence must stop. Thank you to our Capitol Police.
— Kevin Hern (@repkevinhern) January 6, 2021
I have always protected and supported the right for peaceful demonstration but we cannot stand for violence.
— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) January 6, 2021
What is happening at the U.S. Capitol right now is unacceptable and needs to stop immediately. This is not what America is about.
Praying for the safety of all.
