'Absolute Disgrace': Toomey, Other PA Reps Shelter Amid DC Riots

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As protesters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, several members of the Pennsylvania delegation were among those sending out messages confirming their safety from the shelter of undisclosed locations around the Hill.

Republican U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey was among those expressing frustration at the rioters, who forced their way inside the Senate chambers to disrupt Wednesday's special session of U.S. Congress. The session, which began at 1 p.m., was to certify the Electoral College results naming Joe Biden as the next President of the United States.

"This is an absolute disgrace," Toomey shared on Twitter shortly after 3:30 p.m. "I appreciate the work of the United States Capitol Police under difficult circumstances. I am currently safe as are the few members of my staff that are currently at the Capitol complex."

DETAILS: Trump Mob Breaches Locked Down Capitol; 1 Shot In Melee

Fellow U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania Bob Casey did not release a statement himself, but his safety was confirmed by staffers on Twitter:

"Update from Casey staff: Senator Casey was the only member of our team in the Capitol complex today. He is safe and taking direction from the United States Capitol Police."

Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, who led the delegation of eight Republican Pennsylvania Congressmen who stated they would vote against the certification, called Trump "the BEST president since Lincoln" as protests got underway at 1 p.m. He later shared a statement on Twitter at 4 p.m. standing against the rioting.

"The violence happening at the Capitol is unacceptable. Today’s reckless events do not advance conservative values," he said. "Thank you to the Capitol Police and all law enforcement for your bravery. Please pray for these heroes."

Reports from the scene indicated that protesters were moving away from the Capitol building in the later afternoon. While some members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have been able to get out of the Capitol, others remain locked down.

Rep. Madeleine Dean said that she was "safe on the House floor" at 2:30 p.m., and by 3 p.m. shared that she was among those that had been moved out.

"I’ve been evacuated and I am am finding safe location. Please pray for peace in this nation," she said.

Members of Congress from both parties implored President Donald Trump to use his influence on Twitter to quell the violence. 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.

Trump, who moments earlier had told the teeming crowd of protesters that he would never concede, asked supporters at the Capitol "to remain peaceful."

Other Republicans who announced plans to stand with Reschenthaler against the certification of the election also condemned the violence.

"I am horrified by the violence and destruction at the Capitol. This is not who we are as a country. Please go home now," Rep. Lloyd Smucker said. "In response to the many inquiries- I am thankful to the Capitol Police for maintaining order and security at our location. My staff and I are safe."

"Today in DC should have been about meaningful debate, peaceful protest and the Rule of Law -- not chaos and talks of coups," Rep. Scott Perry shared. "I unequivocally condemn any violence and criminal acts taking place, and pray for a restoration of peace."

"We know there is a lot of anger over this election and what’s happening in America, but this is not who we are," Rep. Mike Kelly said. We resolve our disputes peacefully under the rule of law. This must stop now. My staff and I are safe and thank the Capitol Police for their bravery."

Other Pennsylvanians from the House of Representatives also provided updates on their status:

"I wanted to let you know that I am safe. My heart is broken for our country," Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon said.

"I served this country in both the Air Force and now in Congress," Rep. Chrissy Houlahan said. "People give their lives so that we can live in a peaceful and free society with a peaceful transition of power. Today’s violent actions at the Capitol are the antithesis of who we are as a country."

Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, whose 18th Congressional District includes Pittsburgh and some of its nearby suburbs, condemned the president for his role in the day's events.

“The assault on the U.S. Capitol today and the accompanying criminal violence, property destruction, and disruption of the people’s business was unacceptable and tragic. It’s contrary to all of our proud political traditions,” he stated. “I place the lion’s share of the blame for it on Donald Trump, who incited a mob of supporters to carry it out.”

Outside of Capitol Hill, other Pennsylvania political figures also blamed President Trump and his administration for inciting the violence, including former Congressman Ryan Costello. He shared a quote from Donald Trump Jr. at protests earlier in the day stating that "we're coming for you."

"Whereupon the mob proceeded to unlawfully storm the Capitol and demand official, unconstitutional action, under the threat of violence. Ipso facto, your Honor," Costello wrote.

"Republicans from Pres. Trump to PA legislative leaders need to stop the disinformation and tell their supporters the truth before there's further violence," Gov. Tom Wolf said. "What we're seeing today is not democracy—it's an attempted coup."

With reporting from Patch correspondent Michael O'Connell