Angry supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday, marching through the building, shouting and waving Trump and American flags and forcing a halt to congressional deliberations over challenges to Joe Biden's Electoral College victory.
Vice President Mike Pence: The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now.
Texas politicians in Washington D.C. are weighing in:
Senator Ted Cruz: "Violence is always unacceptable. Even when passions run high. Anyone engaged in violence—especially against law enforcement—should be fully prosecuted."
Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne: To those storming the Capitol right now: every American has a right to peaceful protest, but violence is unacceptable.
Congressman Al Green: The Constitution intended a peaceful transfer of power. This is seditious. Only a dictator or would-be dictator would encourage this.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee: I am in the US Capitol. I am safe and will not fear or leave because of this unwarranted and shameless violence. These actions are not serving well at all our precious Democracy, America.
Rep. Michael McCaul: I like many people voted for President Trump in the 2020 election and hoped for a different result. But violence and destruction is not the way to express your grievances.
Rep. Marc Veasey: My staff and I are safe and we thank the Capitol Police for protecting us. Now is the time to come together—not fan the dangerous flames of division.
Rep. Veronica Escobar: I’m currently sheltering in place. The Capitol building has been breached and both chambers are locked down. This is the chaos and lawlessness.
Rep. Randy Weber: So protesters have breached the Capitol and we are on lockdown. We are safe, thank GOD for the Capitol Police. Remember our great Police? You know: that the Democrats want to defund?