WASHINGTON, D.C. — Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in a chaotic protest aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power, forcing lawmakers to be rushed from the building and interrupting challenges to Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.
Trump issued a restrained call for peace but did not call on his supporters to leave.
‘It gets real when you hear gunshots’
Congressman Ralph Norman was at the Capitol when the crowd came storming in. He was held in the tunnels below the Capitol for more than four hours until police said it was safe.
“It gets real when you hear gunshots,” Norman said. “When you have people banging on the doors.”
He said they were told to get their gas masks, hit the floor and get out.
Norman does not believe the president incited or encouraged Wednesday’s violence.
“He doesn’t condone violence, and the press is making him out to be the instigator, and the one that encouraged this,” Norman told Channel 9.
Norman said he is grateful for the police officers who brought an end to the chaos. He said those who left damage, destruction and people hurt are the criminals.
“The criminals that did this, they will identify and prosecute and put them behind bars,” Norman said. “(It) is the only answer.”
Reactions from local and state lawmakers and experts:
Sen. Richard Burr: “For nearly 250 years, our nation’s commitment to the peaceful transition of power has been the shining hallmark of our democracy. Today, America’s core principles were threatened by those seeking to forcibly stop our electoral process and overturn the results of a presidential election with which they disagreed.
“Let me be clear: these actions are not a defense of this country, but an attack on it.
“I supported President Trump’s legal right to contest the election results through the courts, but the courts have now unanimously and overwhelmingly rejected these suits. No evidence of voter fraud has emerged that would warrant overturning the 2020 election. The President bears responsibility for today’s events by promoting the unfounded conspiracy theories that have led to this point. It is past time to accept the will of American voters and to allow our nation to move forward.
“Congress will uphold its constitutional duty and certify the results of the election.”
New: Charlotte’s @RepAdams calls for the 25th Amendment #ncpol @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/KR3YRh4Ot2
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) January 7, 2021
Mob rule and violence was unacceptable in our cities across our country this past year and it is even more unacceptable today in our nations Capital. We must support peaceful transition of power together! I did it as a governor and our President must do the same. God bless USA.
— Pat McCrory (@PatMcCroryNC) January 7, 2021
Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021
Gov. Roy Cooper: The peaceful transition of power is the hallmark of our democracy. Today’s terrorism is not who we are. This attack on our country must be overcome. America is better than this.
The peaceful transition of power is the hallmark of our democracy. Today's terrorism is not who we are. This attack on our country must be overcome. America is better than this. - RC
— Governor Roy Cooper (@NC_Governor) January 6, 2021
“I know your pain. I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us,” Trump said. “But you have to go home now. We have to have peace.”
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
It is hard to believe what we are seeing at our beloved Capitol. We should be alarmed - but also deeply saddened. Protest is honored, but violence cannot be tolerated. Those who believe in America should leave the building immediately. The rule of law must prevail.
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) January 6, 2021
As Americans we can not tolerate violence. Peacefully protest ONLY.
— Madison Cawthorn (@CawthornforNC) January 6, 2021
We must let Congress work and uphold law and order. We are the party that backs the blue.
I ask you to back the blue now and let the objections continue in accordance with the constitution. 🇺🇸
We're safe, but sheltering in place. If you're in Washington, D.C. today please be safe.
— Alma S. Adams (@RepAdams) January 6, 2021
Violence like what we’re witnessing in the United States Capitol is unacceptable.
— Virginia Foxx (@virginiafoxx) January 6, 2021
People have the right to peacefully protest, and there is absolutely no reason to resort to destruction.
God bless the brave men and women of the United States Capitol Police for protecting us.
I support peaceful protests but not violence and destruction. People need to leave the Capitol now!
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) January 6, 2021
This is a national embarrassment.
Violence is always unacceptable and must stop NOW.
— Congressman Dan Bishop (@jdanbishop) January 6, 2021
We solve our problems through debate and peaceful protests, not violence.
Thank God for the brave men and women of Capitol Police.
The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021
I’ve been evacuated from the House floor. We are safe thanks to the brave men & women of the Capitol Hill Police. I remain resolved to uphold my oath to the Constitution & debate our disagreements. Violence is not acceptable & protesters should disperse peacefully immediately.
— Congressman Ted Budd (@RepTedBudd) January 6, 2021
I proudly back the blue and support law and order, which is why I condemned the violence that took place in cities across the nation this summer. It's a national disgrace to have a mob attacking Capitol Police and engaging in anarchy. This is not what America stands for.
— Senator Thom Tillis (@SenThomTillis) January 6, 2021
The violence occurring at the United States Capitol right now is simply unacceptable, and I fully condemn it.
— Tim Scott (@SenatorTimScott) January 6, 2021
Team Scott is safe.
God bless the U.S. Capitol Police and U.S. Secret Service for protecting us.
I'm safe, our staff is safe, and we are sheltering in place. The safety of our staff and colleagues is my number one priority. As soon as the situation at the Capitol passes, I stand ready to do my duty, certify the vote, and return to the business of working #ForThePeople.
— Alma S. Adams (@RepAdams) January 6, 2021
Charlotte City Councilman Malcolm Graham: “I cannot believe the disturbing sight that we’re seeing on Capitol Hill right now. I thought I had seen it all over the past four years of Trump’s presidency. But every single time, he surprises me with his actions. There’s no bottom to his behavior, and I’m speechless. Sick to my stomach. And honestly – on the verge of tears.
It feels like we’re in a movie — there’s no way that this can be real life, right? But, it is real life. Our current President set a tone and encouraged his supporters to STORM THE CAPITOL. How do we deal with this? How do we justify this? What does our “great republic” look like right now to our allies? To people who believe America is the greatest nation?
Donald Trump should be impeached. He spoke at the rally earlier today, encouraging his supporters to take on this behavior. He should be charged with inciting a riot. House members were given GAS MASKS. Everyone was told to relocate to a cloakroom. The House Speaker was rushed off the floor. What you did, Donald Trump, you did with malice. You have lost your ability to govern.
Never forget what the GOP’s “Sedition Caucus” has done to our country today. No election is worth this kind of behavior.
Also, think back to what the federal government deployed for Black Lives Matter protestors after George Floyd’s death. Now, think about the fact that the Defense Department have denied multiple request to deploy the National Guard to the situation at the Capitol right now. People protesting racial injustice vs. “protestors” trying to stage a coup. Just saying.”
The actions of these violent protestors is completely unjustified and unacceptable. There is no rationale to excuse this assault on the foundations of our Democracy. https://t.co/NLM4B35lXs
— Michael Whatley (@WhatleyNCGOP) January 6, 2021
Every American has the right to peacefully protest. What’s happening right now at the U.S. Capitol building is wrong and un-American. We are better than that.
— Nikki Haley (@NikkiHaley) January 6, 2021
Statement from @NCDemParty about the protesters at the #Capitol. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/Wc6fjFg6ze
— Allison Latos (@AllisonWSOC9) January 6, 2021
President Bush statement: “Former President George W. Bush released a statement on what he called an “insurrection” at the U.S. Capitol, calling it “a sickening and heartbreaking sight.
”This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic – not our democratic republic. I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement.
”The violent assault on the Capitol – and disruption of a Constitutionally-mandated meeting of Congress – was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes. Insurrection could do grave damage to our Nation and reputation. In the United States of America, it is the fundamental responsibility of every patriotic citizen to support the rule of law. To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by the people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety.”
Cox Media Group