Protests turned violent at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday as Congress was set to certify the electoral college votes for the presidential election. One person reported to be shot as President Donald Trump supporters stormed the building has died.
Lawmakers had to be evacuated as well, after protesters breached security and entered the building. Trump and congressmembers on both sides of the aisle representing Texas all made pleas on social media to stop the unrest.
Sen. Ted Cruz, who is leading the effort to contest the presidential election results in Congress, said those storming the Capitol need to stop ‘NOW.’
“The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence — from Left or Right — is ALWAYS wrong,” Cruz said on Twitter. “And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.”
Rep. Lloyd Doggett said he is safe, but that “President Trump has set loose violence on our Congress.”
Rep. Michael McCaul released a video on his Twitter, saying he was forced into lockdown in his office.
“This violence cannot stand; it has to stop,” he said in the video.
Rep. Roger Williams said he is ‘disgusted’ by the actions of those committing violence.
“This behavior is an extraordinary stain on our democracy,” he said.
Rep. Chip Roy called on Trump to establish order, saying it’s the “last thing [he’ll] do that matters as President.”
Trump did post a video on Twitter telling protesters “you have to go home now,” but still falsely claimed election fraud. Twitter first flagged it and prevented it from being replied to, retweeted or liked “due to a risk of violence,” but then took it down completely.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton also asked for peace and order in both protests at the US Capitol and at the Texas State Capitol.
Republican Rep. Dennis Bonnen, who was the Texas Speaker of the House, called it “a sad day in our history.”
Former President George W. Bush also released a statement, saying he and Laura Bush are “watching scenes of mayhem unfolding at the seat of our Nation’s government in disbelief and dismay.”
“It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic – not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol – and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress – was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law. To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety. May God continue to bless the United States of America.
GEORGE W. BUSH
