Westfield Mayor, Others Condemn Violence At U.S. Capitol

WESTFIELD, NJ — After a group of protestors invaded the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday afternoon, hoping to stop the Senate's confirming of the electoral vote count for the presidential election, both Democrats and Republicans in New Jersey reacted with criticism.

Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle wrote:

She also called Republican Senator Ted Cruz a "true traitor" for responding to the attacks by blaming the "malicious rhetoric" condemning them as sedition.

Other local officials reacted to the violence Wednesday.

Rep. Tom Malinowski said he and his staff in Washington, D.C. were safe, and added, "The President of the United States encouraged a violent attack on the United States Capitol." Read more: Malinowski Safe, Locked Down

Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg issued a joint statement: "What we are witnessing in Washington is not how our democracy is supposed to function. The protestors who have breached the United States Capitol building illegally should go home immediately or face the full force of the law."

A woman from San Diego was killed during the violence.

Here are more reactions from Republicans and Democrats in Washington: 'Attack On Democracy:' NJ Congress Reps Shelter, Decry DC Riots

Alexis Tarrazi contributed to this report.

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