Sen. Bob Menendez, Cory Booker Of NJ Decry 'Chaos' At Capitol

NEW JERSEY — It was a scene that “goes against every value we pledge to uphold as a nation,” according to Sen. Robert Menendez.

On Wednesday, protesters stormed their way into the U.S. Capitol to halt the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States. READ MORE: Trump Supporters Breach Locked Down Capitol; 1 Shot In Melee

Menendez, New Jersey’s senior U.S. senator, tweeted that he and his staff were safe and were following guidance from Capitol police.

“The scene in the Capitol goes against every value we pledge to uphold as a nation,” Menendez tweeted. “Democracy will prevail.”

The senator issued an additional statement about what he called a "violent, seditious attack on the U.S. Capitol." Menendez wrote:

"How we arrived at this moment, with domestic terrorists storming Congress and desecrating the Capitol, should be no mystery. This was not an act of patriotism, but an act of sedition. For months, President Trump has fed Americans a steady diet of lies and disinformation in an effort to overthrow the November 2020 election and cling on to power. This afternoon, the president poured fuel on that fire by inciting a lawless and violent takeover of the United States Capitol. But he alone is not solely responsible for today’s chaos and disorder."

Menendez continued:

"For weeks, the same Republicans behind a meritless effort to disrupt the constitutionally-mandated certification of President-elect Biden’s 306 electoral votes have parroted Donald Trump’s wild and baseless conspiracy theories. It is outrageous that some members of the House and Senate would spread lies instead of upholding their oath to the Constitution, to stand up for truth, democracy, and the rule of law. That is why as soon as the Capitol building is secured, we must immediately resume our constitutional duty, certify the Electoral College results, and reaffirm the will of the American people, who voted in unprecedented numbers for the Biden-Harris ticket. And if the results in Georgia are any indication, the voters have rejected the President’s poisonous effort to taint our democracy, and are ready for a new Democratic Majority in the Senate to get to work advancing President-elect Biden’s bold agenda."

"It is a dark day in our country’s history," Menendez concluded. "But we will withstand it. We will return to the chambers. We will finish counting the Electoral College votes — no matter how long it takes — because our democracy is alive. And we will certify Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the next president and vice president of the United States."

New Jersey's other U.S. senator, Cory Booker, tweeted that he was "safe" as well.

On Wednesday afternoon, Sen. Booker tweeted more about the incident, writing that the Capitol has been "breached and seized."

"Donald Trump incited this," Booker said. "He is responsible for this. And he is silent as this tragic moment continues."

President Trump tweeted about the incident on Wednesday afternoon, asking people to "remain peaceful" and avoid violence.

Several elected officials across New Jersey, however, have accused Trump of fanning the flames, including Rep. Donald Norcross, who said the president "incited a riot."

• See related article: 'Attack On Democracy:' NJ Congress Members Take Shelter, Decry DC Riots

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