Somerset County Officials: Capitol Riots 'An Attack On Democracy'

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — The Somerset County Board of Commissioners called the riots at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. "an attack on democracy, and an attack on our country, this is an attack on the freedoms we all hold dear."

"The Somerset County Board of Commissioners are heartbroken by the images we are seeing coming from Washington D.C. of a violent mob attempting to take over the United States Capital Building. For 250 years the United States of America has been the global standard for the peaceful transfer of power based on the will of the voters. Today's actions, due to a lack of display of true leadership, puts us at risk of losing that," said the commissioners in a statement.

Protesters stormed their way into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to halt the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States. The move overwhelmed Capitol Police, who evacuated members of Congress as violence escalated. Read More: Trump Mob Breach Locked Down Capitol; 1 Shot In Melee

One person was treated for a gunshot wound at the Capitol, a Washington, D.C., paramedic told the Washington, D.C., Fox News affiliate. CNN cited two sources saying the woman was in critical condition.

"We condemn, and ask every patriotic American to condemn, the actions of those threatening our country’s future," stated the commissioners.

Congressman Tom Malinowski, who represents parts of Somerset County, also is reportedly safe and locked down inside Capital Hill as protestors forced their way into the chambers of Congress, according to his spokeswoman Amanda Osborne.

Malinowski also retweeted a New 12 interview he gave stating as soon as he gets the all-clear, he is going right back into the chamber and fulfilling his constitutional duty.

President Donald Trump tweeted a video around 4:20 p.m. asking protestors to "go home in peace."

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