U.S. Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
By Tom Davis, Patch staff
NEW JERSEY – As protesters supporting President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, several members of the New Jersey’s congressional delegation were among those sending out messages confirming their safety from the shelter of undisclosed locations around the Hill.
Joined by ex-Gov. Chris Christie and current Gov. Phil Murphy, they also decried the violence and rioting that took place at the Capitol and forced congressional members to seek safety as they were confirming the electoral count for President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Here are the reactions of congressional representatives:
Bob Menendez, Cory Booker Of NJ ‘Safe’ Amid Protest At Capitol
It was a scene that “goes against every value we pledge to uphold as a nation,” according to Sen. Robert Menendez.
Jeff Van Drew: Capitol Riots ‘Disrespectful Of Democracy’
After rioters stormed the Capitol, Rep. Jeff Van Drew said the violence was “unacceptable, un-American, and disrespectful of democracy.”
Rep. Payne Of NJ Is Safe, ‘Away From Chaos’ Of Capitol Protest
“This is a sad, sad day for America,” US Rep. Donald Payne Jr. said.
Rep. Watson Coleman Safe, As Pro-Trump Mob Breach U.S. Capitol
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman tweeted from the United States Capitol, saying she was safe.
Malinowski Safe, Locked Down As Protestors Storm Capitol Hill
Congressman Tom Malinowski is safe and locked down inside Capital Hill as protestors forced their way into the chambers of Congress, according to his spokeswoman Amanda Osborne.
Rep. Pascrell On Rioters, Republicans: ‘This Is Fascism’
Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. said “rioting right-wing mobs” outside the Capitol are “egged on” by President Donald Trump.
Trump Is ‘Inciting A Coup,’ NJ Congressman Norcross Says
Rep. Donald Norcross called Wednesday’s storming of the nation’s Capitol a “direct attack on our democracy.”
Mikie Sherrill: Capitol Riots ‘An Attack On Our Democracy’
As rioters stormed the Capitol, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill made a secure exit.
‘Dark Day For Our Democracy:’ Kim, Staff Safe Amid Capitol Siege
New Jersey’s 3rd District House member said he was “heartbroken by this assault” after protesters stormed the Capitol building.
Pallone: ‘Trump’s Disdain For Our Democracy In Full View’
“No one has the right to commit acts of violence just because they disagree with the outcome of an election,” said Rep. Frank Pallone from the Capitol.
Congressmen Praise Probe Into NJ Veterans Home
Congressmen Josh Gottheimer and Bill Pascrell, Jr. are applauding news of a grand jury investigation into the handling of the pandemic.
Rep. Gottheimer: Capitol Riots ‘Sad And Dark Day For Our Nation’
Gottheimer said he went to the Capitol today to certify the results of the election. “We will finish what we came here to do,” he said.
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