Protesters confront police at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020. (Video screenshot)
Vice President Mike Pence reportedly was evacuated from the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, along with lawmakers who at least temporarily abandoned hopes for a joint session of Congress to endorse Joe Biden as president, as protesters stormed the building, breaching multiple layers of security and barricades.
According to CNBC, Pence was "ushered out" of the Senate, where arguments were going on over accepting the Electoral College votes from Arizona, which were protested.
U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., told Fox News he heard on police radios that shots had been fired.
"I've never seen anything like this," he said. "Shots fired."
President Trump tweeted: "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Under the requirements of the Constitution, when such votes are the target of a protest, the House and Senate discuss the challenges separately, then return together to continue the process of adopting the vote.
Pence and Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, the president pro-tem, were taken to a "secure location," the report said.
Protesters confront police inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020. (Video screenshot)
Fox News commentators alleged that protesters inside the building were trying to break down the doors to the U.S. House chamber, which were locked.
BREAKING: Trump supporters have breached the Capitol building, tearing down 4 layers of security fencing and are attempting to occupy the building — fighting federal police who are overrun
This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Thousands, police can’t stop them pic.twitter.com/VVdTUwV5YN
— ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) January 6, 2021
Blaze reporter Elijah Schaffer noted the protesters had torn down "4 layers of security fencing" to climb up, onto and inside the Capitol.
"This is the craziest thing I've ever seen in my life," he said.
BREAKING: revolution in process as Trump supporters break into the Capitol building, attacking police, breaking windows, and knocking down doors
Full anarchy at this “mostly peaceful” demonstration DC
The people have pushed through & are storming to main chambers pic.twitter.com/NW6VDDNBQw
— ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) January 6, 2021
Schaffer reported, "BREAKING: revolution in process as Trump supporters break into the Capitol building, attacking police, breaking windows, and knocking down doors."
He said people were "storming to main chambers."
Other social media statements included, "Viva la revolution" and "It's now or never!!"
Fox reported lawmakers in the Electoral College vote session were "forced to go into lockdown."
U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., called the protests "an attempt to take over the government." He told Fox that concerns about election irregularities and vote fraud now should be abandoned by everyone.
Fox reported some protesters had reached the interior of the Senate chamber.
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