San Diego Politicians​ Respond To Rioters​ Storming U.S. Capitol

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego County's congressional representatives took to social media Wednesday to respond to the violence that erupted at the U.S. Capitol when a throng of Trump supporters stormed the building and clashed with police, forcing lawmakers to shelter in place.

Rep. Mike Levin, D-San Juan Capistrano, whose district includes parts of San Diego County, tweeted, "I am sheltering in place due to multiple threats from suspicious packages and Trump supporters storming the Capitol, but I am safe. I am incredibly grateful for the brave Capitol Police officers trying to keep us safe."

Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, sent out a brief message that read, "I'm safe. Thanks for the texts. More later."

Rep. Darrell Issa, the lone Republican congressman representing San Diego County, wrote, "To all protesting at the Capitol: It is time to disperse in a safe and orderly manner. Please support the Capitol Police, local law enforcement, and the National Guard. Help others to do the same. The violence we saw today is totally inexcusable. Nothing justifies it, and I condemn it in the strongest way possible. Everyone protesting in the Capitol should leave immediately."

Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego, wrote, "I am here today to fulfill my constitutional duty and certify President-elect Biden's historic victory. My staff and I are safe. We are asking Americans to stand together for the rule of law and integrity of our nation's democracy."

In a video posted along with his written statement, Vargas said, "We've had people now breach the security here in the Capitol. We are prepared here. We are going to defend democracy. The people voted. The people voted for Joe Biden to be president. Joe Biden will be president."

Pointing off camera from inside his office, Vargas said, "As soon as they breach that wall, we will fight back. We're ready to fight. This is not democracy you're seeing. That's anarchy out there. We're here to fight for democracy. God bless America."

Newly-elected Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-San Diego, wrote, "My staff and I are safe. The Capitol complex remains on lockdown and everyone should stay clear of the area."

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, D-San Diego, also weighed in.

"OK. Honestly. What if the protesters charging the Capitol, armed, were mainly Black and brown men? What do you think would happen then?", she wrote.

In another tweet, she questioned the terminology used to describe those storming the building, writing, "At what point do we call `armed protestors storming the Capitol' what they are ... terrorists."

The Rev. Shane Harris, a local civil rights leader, released a statement on what he saw as hypocrisy from the Capitol's police force.

"Let us be clear. The anarchy taking place in America's Capitol is showing that our police know how to have restraint," he said. "It shows that the expectations set out when Black people arrive to protest versus the majority of white Americans protesting today breed different responses and expectations in our country."

— City News Service