WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday and violently clashed with police.
Lawmakers and officials representing Virginia have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the violence, as well as share safety updates during the evolving situation.
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Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said he is sending members of the Virginia National Guard and state troopers to respond to the situation.
My team and I are working closely with @MayorBowser, @SpeakerPelosi, and @SenSchumer to respond to the situation in Washington, D.C.
— Ralph Northam (@GovernorVA) January 6, 2021
Per the Mayor's request, I am sending members of the Virginia National Guard along with 200 Virginia State Troopers.
Not since the Burning of Washington by the British during the War of 1812 has the Capitol been attacked. The violence we saw today was an anti-American, anti-democratic assault on our nation. All must condemn it in the strongest of terms.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) January 6, 2021
My staff and I are safe right now—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.
— Tim Kaine (@timkaine) January 6, 2021
Thanks for your concern — I am 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.
— Mark Warner (@MarkWarner) January 6, 2021
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. Violence is never the answer, and I condemn their actions in the strongest possible terms.
— Congressman Ben Cline (@RepBenCline) January 6, 2021
I call on everyone to express their views peacefully and to respect our Capitol and courageous law enforcement officers working nobly to keep us all safe. I am thankful that my staff and I are safe and my prayer is for the safety of everyone today. 2/2
— Bob Good for Congress (@GoodForCongress) January 6, 2021
The Capitol is the place where Americans debate issues peacefully and according to our rules and Constitution. It should not be subject to break-ins and violence. Its occupiers must leave and face justice, and the business of the people must continue.
— Morgan Griffith (@RepMGriffith) January 6, 2021
I’ve been getting a lot of outreach. I am safe.
— Abigail Spanberger (@SpanbergerVA07) January 6, 2021
I was in the House Chamber as violent, far right protestors tried to break down the doors. Thank you to the Capitol Police for keeping us safe and evacuating staff, reporters, and members of Congress to safety.
I'm safe. Evil always raises hell before it is cast out. We will pass this test. Democracy will prevail.
— Rep. Donald McEachin (@RepMcEachin) January 6, 2021
I don’t recognize our country today and the members of Congress who have supported this anarchy do not deserve to represent their fellow Americans. (2/2)
— Rep. Elaine Luria (@RepElaineLuria) January 6, 2021
I am safe and raring to get back to the electoral ballot count. We will not be deterred by bully tactics, violence, or "alternative facts."
— Rep. Gerry Connolly (@GerryConnolly) January 6, 2021
Today, truth and democracy WILL prevail.
I am on Capitol Hill following USCP directions to stay in a safe location.
— Rep. Don Beyer (@RepDonBeyer) January 6, 2021
This is a dark and scary moment for our country, but these violent criminals attempting to overthrow our government will not win.
I'm sheltering in place as protestors storm the Capitol in a violent & fanatical attempt to interrupt Congress.
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) January 6, 2021
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.
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. Rob Wittman (@RobWittman) January 6, 2021
Candidate for Virginia governor, Terry McAuliffe, also released a statement on the attack on the U.S. Capitol:
Donald Trump has incited terrorists to bring death to our nation’s Capitol. Vice President Mike Pence must immediately invoke the 25th Amendment and remove Trump from office before more Americans are harmed. pic.twitter.com/7stocVeQqj
— Terry McAuliffe (@TerryMcAuliffe) January 6, 2021
Candidate for Virginia governor, Jennifer McClellan, also released a statement on the attack on the U.S. Capitol:
“The peaceful transfer of power after an election is the hallmark of American democracy. Only once in the 231 years since our Constitution was ratified has there been an overt attempt to take by force that which was lost at the ballot.
“Until now.
“What occurred today was nothing less than an attempted coup incited by a man who swore an oath to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States on the very steps of the U.S. Capitol that was invaded by armed insurrectionists.
“My heart breaks for our country tonight.
“Yet, this attempt to destroy our government of the people, by the people, and for the people, must not succeed. While democracy is fragile, the will of the American people for its survival has proven resilient time and again. We can and shall rise above the actions of today’s violent mob to protect our democratic institutions and the peaceful transfer of power demanded by the voters on Election Day.
“We must all do our part.
“I condemn the actions taken by those who sought to overthrow our government by force, and pledge to do all I can to preserve it.
“All those who incited or enabled today’s actions by their words, deeds, or silence should face serious political consequences. I stand with those members of Congress calling for the invocation of 25th Amendment. In addition, members of the Republican Party who sowed the seeds of distrust in our democratic institutions and perpetuated the lie of voter fraud that led to today’s events should likewise be held accountable.
“I pray for the soul of our nation and the safety of those in Washington, D.C., tonight. I am particularly grateful for those public servants who continue to do their job to ensure the peaceful transfer of power on January 20th.” -- Sen. Jennifer McClellan