The U.S. Capitol was engulfed in chaos on Wednesday, as supporters of President Donald Trump, responding to his call to head there, breached the complex, resulting in violence in the seat of America's federal government.
The surreal and dangerous scene interrupted proceedings in the House and Senate, as members of Congress were taking up President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.
After the House and Senate went into recess, several members of Arizona's congressional delegation tweeted responses from safe locations inside the Capitol.
Rep. Ruben Gallego called for Congress to reconvene and certify the election results. He said on Twitter that everyone who broke into the Capitol should be prosecuted and had strong words for Arizona Republican Party Chair Kelli Ward.
Let’s us back on the floor! Democracy needs to be reinforced. We are not going away.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) January 6, 2021
Rep. Paul Gosar attempted to contrast the Trump supporters with Black Lives Matter protesters and called for them to leave the Capitol.
Ok. I said let’s do an audit. Let’s not get carried away here. I don’t want anyone hurt. We are protesting the violation of our laws. We are builders not destroyers. BLM burns and loots. We build. If anyone on the ground reads this and is beyond the line come back. pic.twitter.com/cSu6CLKbby
— Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) January 6, 2021
Rep. Raúl Grijalva said he spoke almost immediately before being evacuated to a safe location.
I am safe and was evacuated to a secure location almost immediately after defending the integrity of Arizona’s elections on the House Floor.
— Raul M. Grijalva (@RepRaulGrijalva) January 6, 2021
Thank you for your concerns.
Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick condemned the attack.
I am locked down and safe. But our values are being attacked. This violence has shattered what was supposed to be a routine and honored process in our democracy.
— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) January 6, 2021
Rep. Debbie Lesko condemned the violence and thanked Capitol staff.
(2/2) My staff and I are safe and taking all necessary precautions. Thank you to the @CapitolPolice and the professional staff of the Capitol for their constant dedication and service to Congress.
— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) January 6, 2021
Rep. Tom O'Halleran also condemned the attacks.
My staff and I are safe. This is a dark day in American history.
— Archived: Rep. Tom O'Halleran (@RepOHalleran) January 6, 2021
Rep. David Schweikert reported that he and his staff were safe.
My staff and I are safe.
— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) January 6, 2021
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema also reported she was safe.
I am safe.
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) January 6, 2021
Rep. Greg Stanton said he was on deck to speak before the House went into recess.
I was next up to speak on the House floor in defense of Arizona voters when the evacuation was ordered. I am safe. Pray for our country and thankful for the US Capitol Police. We are better than this. This election WILL be certified.
— Greg Stanton (@gregstantonaz) January 6, 2021
