Northam Sends Virginia National Guard, Curfew For 2 Localities

WASHINGTON, DC — As protesters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam sent Virginia National Guard members and 200 Virginia state troopers to DC and issued a curfew for Arlington and Alexandria.

The curfew is in place from 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday "with limited exceptions" at the request of the two localities, Northam said. The governor also issued a state of emergency for the response.

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.

Members of Congress from both parties implored President Donald Trump to use his influence on Twitter to quell the violence. Trump, who moments earlier had told the teeming crowd of protesters that he would never concede, told supporters at the Capitol "to remain peaceful."

"No violence!" Trump tweeted. "Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order — respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

Northam, following a coronavirus briefing, tweeted that his team is working with DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in response to the incident.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan also said Maryland State Police is sending state troopers to aid the Metropolitan Police Department and the United States Capitol Police. The Maryland National Guard's adjutant general was instructed to "call up a rapid response force to support law enforcement and restore order," Hogan wrote.

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser had earlier asked the National Guard to provide crowd control in her city, but because the District is not a state, Bowser does not have the same authority as a governor to activate the National Guard. That request would have to come from the White House.

The National Guard was called in to help calm the crowd — at Trump's order, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said, adding: "We reiterate President Trump's call against violence and to remain peaceful."

Members of Congress representing Virginia sent messages confirming their safety from the shelter of undisclosed locations around Capitol Hill.

Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA), representing the 10th congressional district, criticized the president for "encouraging these domestic terrorists since before the election." She called for the Cabinet to remove the president or the House to impeach him.

"I'm sheltering in place as protestors storm the Capitol in a violent & fanatical attempt to interrupt Congress," Wexton wrote. "We're witnessing the consequences of the radical disinformation campaign created by the President, his allies, & some of my colleagues. I truly fear for our country."

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), who represents areas just outside DC in Virginia's 8th congressional district, said he was on Capitol Hill in a safe location following U.S. Capitol Police direction.

"This is a dark and scary moment for our country, but these violent criminals attempting to overthrow our government will not win," Beyer tweeted.

Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), did not indicate his location but tweeted, "This is absolutely unacceptable. This is not how we conduct the Nation's business. Please allow us to get the work of the people completed."

Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), representing the 6th congressional district, called for prosecution of people involved in breaching the Capitol.

"While people have a right to peaceably protest, those who breached the Capitol and assaulted Capitol Police officers should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Cline wrote. "Violence is never the answer, and I condemn their actions in the strongest possible terms."

Newly-sworn-in Rep. Bob Good (R-VA), representing the 5th congressional district, earlier in the day tweeted about some Americans' concerns about fraud in the 2020 election. But he criticized protesters who resorted to violence.

"Peaceful assembly, protesting & petitioning our government to express our grievances is fundamental to our constitutional republic," Good tweeted. "We are also a nation established on the rule of law and we must never resort to violence."

Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) told followers he is safe and sheltering in place with other senators.

"Please join me in praying for our country, and for our fellow Americans to do the right thing," Warner wrote.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) wrote that he and staff were safe and "following the instructions of Capitol Police and praying for the safety of Capitol workers, members of the press, and all here in Washington today."

"This violence must end now," Kaine tweeted.

This story includes reporting in DC by Patch editor Michael O'Connell.