Western Pa. Area Leaders React To Violence Unfolding After Protesters Breach U.S. Capitol Building In Washington, D.C.
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KDKA) -- As protesters breached the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C., members of the House of Representatives and Senate were told to shelter in place and the building was placed on lockdown.
Protesters made their way into the building as a joint session of Congress was meeting to finalize the results of the presidential election.
As things turned violent, several local leaders reacted and provided statements.
Pa. Attorney General Josh Shapiro said that "President Trump and his enablers instigated this chaos and violence."
Donald Trump and his enablers instigated this chaos and violence. He's attacked our Constitution, violated our laws, and now is encouraging lawlessness. He lit the fuse and his conduct is seditious.
— Josh Shapiro (@JoshShapiroPA) January 6, 2021
Pa. Governor Tom Wolf said:
"What we're seeing today is not democracy—it's an attempted coup. We had a free and fair election. The results were clear. Republicans from Pres. Trump to PA legislative leaders need to stop the disinformation and tell their supporters the truth before there's further violence."
What we're seeing today is not democracy—it's an attempted coup.
— Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) January 6, 2021
We had a free and fair election. The results were clear.
Republicans from Pres. Trump to PA legislative leaders need to stop the disinformation and tell their supporters the truth before there's further violence.
Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) provided a statement, saying the following:
"This is an absolute disgrace. I appreciate the work of the United States Capitol Police under difficult circumstances. I am currently safe as are the few members of my staff that are currently at the Capitol complex."
Congressman Conor Lamb (D-PA) called it a "horrible day for our country."
Horrible day for our country. We're all angry. But people like @WhipClyburn faced much worse & refused to give up. He refuses to give up even as these criminals are not arrested.
— Conor Lamb (@ConorLambPA) January 6, 2021
We will not give up.
Arrest & prosecute the people who invaded our Capitol & let's get back to work https://t.co/oeJTDlTofr
Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA) noted that "this is not who we are," before mentioning that he was safe at the Capitol and thanked Capitol Police for their bravery.
We know there is a lot of anger over this election and what's happening in America, but this is not who we are. We resolve our disputes peacefully under the rule of law. This must stop now.
— Rep. Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyPA) January 6, 2021
My staff and I are safe and thank the Capitol Police for their bravery.
Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman said, in a three-word tweet, that 'Democracy Will Prevail."
Democracy Will Prevail https://t.co/YyGRU5OR4W
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) January 6, 2021
Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA) was locked in his office and spoke with KDKA political editor Jon Delano, saying that he was safe, but the guns were drawn. He also laid blame for Wednesday's incident at President Donald Trump.
WATCH: KDKA's Jon Delano Has More
Senator Bob Casey's (D-PA) staff noted that Senator Casey was the only member of the team at the Capitol on Wednesday, and he was safe and taking direction from Capitol Police.
Update from Casey staff: Senator Casey was the only member of our team in the Capitol complex today. He is safe and taking direction from the United States Capitol Police.
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) January 6, 2021
City of Pittsburgh councilman Corey O'Connor called it a "terrible day for our country" and that what was going on in Washington was "not democratic."
Today is a terrible day for our country. Domestic terrorists should have never been allowed to act this way. This is not democratic. These individuals are cowards. I hope that DC residents and members, staff, and employees at the Capitol are safe.
— Corey O'Connor (@CoreyOConnorPGH) January 6, 2021
Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) called the violence "unacceptable" and that the "events do not advance conservative values."
The violence happening at the Capitol is unacceptable. Today's reckless events do not advance conservative values.
— Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (@GReschenthaler) January 6, 2021
Thank you to the Capitol Police and all law enforcement for your bravery. Please pray for these heroes.
Pa. State Senator Jay Costa called what was happening in Washington, D.C. "not a lawful protest."
What's happening right now in Washington DC is not a lawful protest. It is a violent takeover attempt of our entire government - urged on by President Donald Trump.
— Senator Jay Costa (@Senatorcosta) January 6, 2021
Every elected official and community leader of any party must immediately denounce this.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine called the occupation of the US Capitol Building an 'embarrassment.'
During an Allegheny County COVID-19 briefing that was cut short due to the events transpiring in Washington, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald said: "I never thought I'd live to see the day when there would be an attempted coup against our government by seditionists, anarchists who want to go into our nation's capitol and do violence and damage to our free society."