Temecula GOP Lawmaker: Violence In US Capitol Totally Inexcusable

TEMECULA, CA — Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Temecula, said rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday as Congress prepared to certify the results of the Nov. 3 election were out of line.

"To all protesting at the Capitol — it is time to disperse in a safe and orderly manner," Issa said via social media. "The violence we saw today is totally inexcusable."

The breach of the Capitol building by supporters of President Donald Trump forced lawmakers and their aides to barricade themselves in their offices and elsewhere.

"Nothing justifies (breaking up congressional proceedings). I condemn it in the strongest way possible," said Issa, whose 50th Congressional District includes the Temecula Valley and parts of San Diego County. He did not disclose his location.

Prior to the eruption of violence, up to a half million people gathered to hear Trump speak outside the White House, where he recited a litany of unproven acts of fraud that he maintains impacted Nov. 3 election results and urged his supporters to fight against the ceremonial counting of the electoral votes that confirmed President-elect Joe Biden's win.

After the roughly hourlong speech, the president's supporters marched on the Capitol Building, where members of Congress were debating Electoral College votes from Arizona, one of the swing states in which fraud has been alleged by the president and his attorneys.

People began streaming into the halls of Congress, where an unarmed woman was shot in the chest and multiple officers were injured as they tried to quell the unrest.

"Please support the Capitol police, local law enforcement and the National Guard," Issa said. "Help others do the same."