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Local lawmakers react to protests at US Capitol

Area representatives took to social media to weigh in on the chaos at the US Capito.

Credit: WQAD

Twitter

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — As pro-Trump protestors embarked on the US Capitol, people inside were being evacuated or sheltering in place.

RELATED: WATCH LIVE: Protesters breach US Capitol, halt session on Biden victory

This happened Wednesday, January 6 as lawmakers convened for an extraordinary joint session to confirm the Electoral College results.

Protesters made it inside the Senate chamber. One got up on the dais and yelled “Trump won that election.”

Reports indicate that members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by the protesters.

The following are a series of Tweets from our local and regional lawmakers, responding to the situation at the US Capitol:

You can protest and be peaceful.

Storming government buildings and attacking law enforcement officers is unacceptable.

My staff and me are safe and sheltering in place. https://t.co/bQRihjWaz0
— Mariannette Miller-Meeks (@RepMMM) January 6, 2021

RELATED: Rep. Miller-Meeks: "...a sad day in our democracy."

Earlier today, I was on the House Floor for the beginning of the debate. I, and other House Members on the Floor, are safe in a secure location. Thank you the Capitol Police for their actions in protecting us and our country today.
— Rep. Cheri Bustos (@RepCheri) January 6, 2021

Today, the U.S. Capitol was breached and our nation faced violence as we tried to fulfill the will of the American People.

But no angry mob can stop us from doing our Constitutional duty.

Democracy will prevail and we WILL complete the count.
— Rep. Cheri Bustos (@RepCheri) January 6, 2021

I served in uniform to defend the right to peaceful protest.

What’s happening at the Capitol right now is not peaceful nor a protest. It’s anarchy, & a betrayal of the American ideals we all hold dear.

My staff and I are safe.

Thanks to Capitol Police for your selfless work.
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) January 6, 2021

What is happening at the Capitol is beyond belief and utterly unacceptable in our democracy. This is nothing less than an attempt at mob rule. President Trump needs to address this situation immediately and tell his supporters this is completely beyond the pale.
— Dave Loebsack for Iowa (@DaveForIowa) January 6, 2021

I have spent my entire adult life defending our Constitution and people’s rights to peacefully demonstrate. I never thought I’d need to defend democracy from an attempted, violent overthrow in our own nation’s Capitol.

I will not yield to those who seek to harm our democracy.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 6, 2021

RELATED: Listen: Senator Tammy Duckworth interview interrupted by Capitol Police security updates

President Trump needs to address the nation and call for an end to this violence and disruption to our democratic process. This is not how we do business in the United States of America. pic.twitter.com/mA67iBto3W
— Ashley Hinson (@RepAshleyHinson) January 6, 2021

Amid the chaos, my statement here: pic.twitter.com/6CMZHeYhPq
— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 6, 2021

President Donald Trump said this amid the protests:

Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

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

pic.twitter.com/Pm2PKV0Fp3
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

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

America is so much better than what we’re seeing today.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021

State leaders weighed in on the protests:

I’m disgusted watching the violence playing out inside and around the Capitol. First and foremost, I pray for the safety of our first responders, elected officials, staff and the public.
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) January 6, 2021

Standing with and praying for the brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and all who have been endangered by the violence and unrest happening at our nation’s capital. This behavior is unacceptable and not who we are as Americans.
— Kim Reynolds (@KimReynoldsIA) January 6, 2021