Latest Guides

Government

Pasadena Congressman Schiff and Other SoCal Legislators Take Shelter As Trump Backers Storm Capitol

Published on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 | 1:47 pm
 
Congressman Adam Schiff, who represents portions of West Pasadena

Rep. Adam Schiff, (D-Pasadena) and other members of the Southern California congressional delegation found themselves barricaded in their offices and other locations today as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol while Congress prepared to certify the results of the Nov. 3 election.

“Hi, folks, my staff and I are safe. Thanks to the Capitol Police,” Schiff tweeted.

“A violent mob won’t stop us from upholding our constitutional duty to certify the election,” he wrote.

“This a moment when everyone must decide whether our democracy is worth protecting,” Schiff wrote.

“I believe it is.”

Rep. Karen Bass, (D-Los Angeles) said on her Twitter page that she was in a secure location as the Capitol fell under lockdown, halting congressional proceedings.

“The president of the United States is inciting a coup. We will not be intimidated. We will not be deterred,” Bass said.

Rep. Ted Lieu, (D-Los Angeles), tweeted, “We are safe, and are grateful for the outpouring of concern.”

Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan, (D-San Pedro), spoke to KNX Newsradio from her Capitol Hill office, where she was locked inside.

“We have been told on the loudspeaker that connects all the offices to lock our doors, to lock the windows, stay away from the windows, to shelter in place,” she said. “We don’t have a window from our office into the hallway so it’s hard to see when we hear somebody walking whether they’re protesters that have made their way into the House office buildings or not. It’s very scary. We’ve never seen anything like this before.”

The unrest began shortly after Trump spoke to hundreds of supporters who gathered in Washington, D.C., on the day Congress was set to certify the Nov. 3 election results and proclaim Democrat Joe Biden as the victor.

The event was part of the “Stop the Steal” rallies which began in Pasadena before ending in Washington DC.

Trump has vociferously insisted that voter fraud led to his defeat in the election, though his multiple legal challenges in various states have been rejected due to lack of evidence. Officials in states across the country, including the Republican election officials in the battleground state of Georgia, have flatly denied any impropriety in the election.

As Trump supporters marched through the streets of Washington, D.C., the group made its way to the Capitol complex, clashing with Capitol Police and ultimately breaching the building, entering the seat of Democracy without any security screening. The Senate and House chambers were cleared as police tried to restore order.

Trump took to Twitter in response to the insurrection. He did not call on people to leave the Capitol, only to avoid violence.

“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful,” Trump wrote. “No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order — respect the law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!”

Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard, (D-Los Angeles), called it “a tragic day in American history as we see Trump-supporting domestic terrorists surround and breach the Capitol building. My staff and I are secured and safe thanks to the courageous actions of the Capitol Police. Praying for the safety of everybody and the very soul of our nation.”

Rep. Brad Sherman, (D-Sherman Oaks), was speaking to KNX when he watched tear gas being deployed in the Capitol Rotunda.

“The idea that the Capitol Police would lose control over the entry points, these are entry points that are sometimes guarded with machine guns. They take that very seriously. A decision was made to allow the breach rather than use weapons. I hope that decision turns out to be right. I think it will be.”

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, (D-Los Angeles), described the scene on his Twitter account.

“Got stuck in the gallery, which is above the House Floor, for some time because people were trying to get in,” he wrote. “Had to lay on the floor with about 30-50 of my colleagues. With gas mask in hand. But I’m safe.”

In Los Angeles, dozens of Trump supporters rallied in downtown Los Angeles outside City Hall. Holding flags and carrying signs reading “Stop the Steal,” members of the group stood along Spring Street while others circled the area in their vehicles.

Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.

Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.

Make a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

 

 

buy ivermectin online
buy modafinil online
buy clomid online
buy ivermectin online