Politics & Government
Colorado Lawmakers Condemn Breach, Violence At U.S. Capitol
"Storming the US Capitol and attacking the brave men and women of the Capitol police force is wrong," Rep. Ken Buck said in a tweet.
DENVER, CO — Republican and Democratic Colorado lawmakers have taken a stand against the violence and turmoil caused by protesters at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday afternoon. Rallygoers showed up in support of President Donald Trump to stop Congress from finalizing President-elect Joe Biden's victory.
Hundreds of protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol barricades and some forced their way into both chambers of Congress.
One person was shot and killed, and three others died in “medical emergencies,” police said.
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Lawmakers from both parties implored Trump to use his influence on Twitter to quell the violence.
After the intruders were inside, Trump sent a tweet asking for a peaceful protest.
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"I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful," the tweet read.
"No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"
Colorado members of Congress called for an end to the violence.
Every American has the right to peacefully protest. But storming the US Capitol and attacking the brave men and women of the Capitol police force is wrong. This is not who we are. pic.twitter.com/sRUMJleIEn
— Congressman Ken Buck (@RepKenBuck) January 6, 2021
My staff and I are safe. I strongly condemn those individuals that have chosen to incite violence and have put our law enforcement in harm's way. Today is supposed to be a day of constitutional debate, not violence. This is not who we are as Americans.
— Rep. Doug Lamborn (@RepDLamborn) January 6, 2021
Thank you to everyone that has been checking in. My staff and I are safe and in an undisclosed location. I support peaceful protests and the rule of law, and denounce all acts of violence. I am grateful to the Capitol Police for their service. Thank you for keeping us safe.
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) January 6, 2021
We have been evacuated from the House chamber and moved to a safe location. This isn’t a protest. This is an attempted coup. I never thought we’d see such anarchy spurred by our own president.
— Rep. Diana DeGette (@RepDianaDeGette) January 6, 2021
We are locked down in the US Capitol because the president has instigated a riot to try to block us from certifying the election for his opponent. This is not who we are as Americans. We are so much better than this.
— Rep. Diana DeGette (@RepDianaDeGette) January 6, 2021
This is what it has come to. pic.twitter.com/nYlGeKemAf
— Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) January 6, 2021
I’m currently in lockdown in the House chamber as the President of the United States incites his supporters to violence and to storm the Capitol. This is the outcome of Trump’s presidency.
— Rep. Jason Crow (@RepJasonCrow) January 6, 2021
My staff and I are safe — we were evacuated from the House floor, and are in a safe location. Thank you to all of our brave law enforcement officials for working so hard to protect the Capitol Complex. Keep the faith.
— Rep. Joe Neguse (@RepJoeNeguse) January 6, 2021
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This only strengthens our resolve to get the Electoral Votes counted & certified and continue with a peaceful transition of power, as has been a hallmark of our nation. It’s time to get back to the business of the people & of the country as we build a better future.
— Rep. Ed Perlmutter (@RepPerlmutter) January 6, 2021
Vice President Mike Pence also implored protesters to vacate the Capitol in a post on Twitter.
Just before 6 p.m. EST, law enforcement told reporters that the U.S. Capitol building is secure.
An explosive device was found at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington and the nearby headquarters of the Democratic National Committee was evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious package on Wednesday. The device found at the R.N.C. was a pipe bomb that was destroyed by a bomb squad, officials said.
As Congress prepared to ratify the results of the 2020 election on Wednesday, far-right supporters of Trump rallied in the District to back his false claim that he won the election.
The president has lost more than 60 court challenges nationwide as judges have ruled his attorneys have presented no proof of voter fraud or election tampering.
Despite the forced recess, Congress returned and by early Thursday morning, Biden was confirmed as the next president.
His inauguration is Jan. 20.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
Patch Editor Michael O'Connell also contributed to this story.
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