Arizona lawmakers react to Capitol lockdown and protest

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - Eyes are on the Capital Wednesday afternoon as protesters supporting President Donald Trump rallied outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C.

During a joint Congress session to certify President-Elect Joe Biden’s November 3 win, dozens of protesters clashed with law enforcement and breached security perimeters in the building.

Lawmakers inside the House chamber were told to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.

Several Arizona lawmakers have issued a reaction to the Jan. 6 events, including Governor Doug Ducey, while other lawmakers ensure the constituents of their safety.

In America, we practice peaceful transitions of power. We respect the law and law enforcement. The scene at the United States Capitol right now is wrong and has no place in our form of government. All should denounce, and it should end now.
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) January 6, 2021

Release from Senate Democratic Leadership:"This is a dark day in American history & these events fly in the face of our free & fair democracy.We condemn w/ utmost urgency these shameful and despicable actions & urge our Republican colleagues to immediately condemn these rioters." pic.twitter.com/vKJmKW417k
— Arizona Senate Democrats (@AZSenateDems) January 6, 2021

I am safe. Democracy is not. We need national guard to clear the Capitol so we can continue with our jobs.
— Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) January 6, 2021

I am locked down and safe. But our values are being attacked. This violence has shattered what was supposed to be a routine and honored process in our democracy.
— Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (@RepKirkpatrick) January 6, 2021

I am safe.
— Kyrsten Sinema (@kyrstensinema) January 6, 2021

My staff and I are safe. This is a dark day in American history.
— Rep. Tom O'Halleran (@RepOHalleran) January 6, 2021

Remain peaceful? This is not a peaceful protest! You have the power to stop them, Mr President. Tell them to leave the Capitol! https://t.co/wGS7K2yZmS
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) January 6, 2021

#Breaking: A source with @SenMarkKelly’s office tells me the Senator is safe.
— Andrew Capasso (@ACNewsman) January 6, 2021

In America, we have fair elections and peaceful transfers of power; democracy prevails over chaos; and those who commit violent acts are held accountable. That won’t change today. This unpatriotic attempt to overturn our election – and silence the voices of Arizonans – will fail.
— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) January 6, 2021

I am safe.
— Debbie Lesko (@DebbieLesko) January 6, 2021

Ok. I said let’s do an audit. Let’s not get carried away here. I don’t want anyone hurt. We are protesting the violation of our laws. We are builders not destroyers. BLM burns and loots. We build. If anyone on the ground reads this and is beyond the line come back. pic.twitter.com/cSu6CLKbby
— Paul Gosar (@DrPaulGosar) January 6, 2021

If these men were BIPOC, law enforcement would have already used excessive force and arrested them.

Instead, these terrorists get to destroy and break into the United States Capitol with no immediate repercussions. https://t.co/DCVRd9vjNT
— Rep. Athena Salman (@AthenaSalman) January 6, 2021

Have heard from source in @RepRaulGrijalva’s office. Rep. Grijalva is also safe.
— Andrew Capasso (@ACNewsman) January 6, 2021

Deplorable and reckless thugs undermining America’s democracy. https://t.co/q5VYAZPq4F
— Rep. Andrés Cano (@AndresCanoAZ) January 6, 2021

What began as a weak-minded temper tantrum in the White House has spun out of control—and spawned into a dangerous attempt to carry out a coup d’état in the People’s House.

Today, I will defend the will of Arizona voters.
— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) January 6, 2021

My staff and I are safe.
— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) January 6, 2021

Today’s events in Washington DC are, unfortunately, the natural conclusion to months of conspiracy theories and outright lies. pic.twitter.com/r1a6aTgp9u
— Secretary Katie Hobbs (@SecretaryHobbs) January 6, 2021

President Trump along with President-Elect Joe Biden also responded to the protest.

Let me be very clear: the scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not represent who we are. What we are seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, it's disorder. It borders on sedition, and it must end. Now.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021

I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfill his oath and defend the Constitution by demanding an end to this siege.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021