Warren Officials Call Capitol Hill Riots 'Disappointing'

WARREN, NJ — Republican Warren officials Michael "Mick" Marion and George Lazo called the riots at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. "disappointing."

"It's very disappointing to see what took place today on Capital grounds. While we, as a people, cherish our 1st Amendment Rights to protest and speak freely, we should do so with respect for each other and in a non-violet manner," said outgoing Warren Mayor Marion. "Somewhere we have lost our civil tone, our ability to respect each other's differences which ultimately leads to disdain and unrest. We can do better than this, we are better than this, our future democracy depends on it."

Lazo echoed Marion's sentiments.

"When did we lose our 'civil tone' and our respect for one another’s opinions and feelings? We are all complicit in this deterioration, all political affiliations, the media, social media, our schools and universities, etc....let’s not stick our heads in the sand. We must all genuinely commit ourselves to repairing this. The United States is a great nation...let’s stop this inappropriate behavior everywhere! We must learn to 'tolerate' again, " Lazo said.

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

In a News 12 interview, Malinowski says he was in the house chamber when the first breach occurred before everyone was evacuated by the capital police.

"The most important thing is that the situation for us is under control. The situation for our country's democracy is obviously not under control," said Malinowski in the News 12 interview. "The President of the United States encouraged a violent attack on the United States capital. This is without precedent in American history and a mark of tremendous shame for all those who tolerated this behavior leading up to today."

Watch the full interview below:

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

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