Michigan congressional leaders are speaking out on the mayhem unfolding at the U.S. Capitol, where a mob of Trump supporters has breached the building, prompting a lock down and standoff.
Lawmakers were gathered to certify the election for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, an administrative step that has been done in less than 30 minutes in the past, when "Stop the Steal" demonstrators egged on by President Trump broke down barricades and windows to storm the building.
Several Michigan members took to social media to convey their dismay and provide updates on the situation, including this one from a Republican:
I am safe and sheltered in place. Horrified and shell-shocked by the violence of rioters trying to undo the constitutional transfer of power. @RealDonaldTrump, for the sake of our nation and safety of our people, tell your supporters to stand down and leave town.
— Fred Upton #WearYourMask (@RepFredUpton) January 6, 2021
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint) said he was hunkered down in an alternate, safe location following his evacuation. Initially, he tweeted from the House chambers, where he said "lawmakers were instructed to lie down on the floor and put on our gas masks. Chamber security and Capitol Police have their guns drawn as protesters bang on the front door of the chamber."
Rep. Haley Stevens said she was sheltering in place in her office as the building next door was evacuated.
"I can’t believe I have to write this," she added.
What’s taking place at the United States Capitol is a manifested symptom of the failed leadership that has stoked this lawlessness and chaos.
— Haley Stevens (@HaleyLive) January 6, 2021
Activities that we have seen take place in our state capitol and at our town halls.
Let the words ring out: I stand for democracy.
Slotkin said National Guard troops had been approved to "restore order" and urged "all protestors, some being from my own district, to disperse."
I am remaining safely in my office, as are my staff who were directed to stay home. Rep. Andy Levin is with me since his office building was evacuated. I have seen first hand today the bravery of the Capitol Police, and I’m thankful for their professionalism and dedication.
— Rep. Elissa Slotkin (@RepSlotkin) January 6, 2021
State Rep. Andy Levin spoke in a Facebook live video from Slotkin's office after his building was evacuated.
"What's happening right now is literally an assault on democracy itself,” he said.
Former Rep. Paul Mitchell, who has distanced himself from the Republican Party following Trump's refusal to concede the election, called it the "saddest day" in modern political history.
Today, January 6,2021, is the saddest day in the modern political history of our nation. The implications of the actions of @realDonaldTrump and his minions for our nation are troubling. I am heartsick
— Paul Mitchell (@RepPaulMitchell) January 6, 2021
John James, the Michigan Republican who failed to unseat Sen. Gary Peters in November, tweeted: "Those who stand for the flag and yet desecrate the Constitution are not Patriots. You are an embarrassment to yourselves and to your Country."
He immediately drew pushback from his own followers. One responded: "Uh, the Founders told us to do this to maintain our freedom."
Related today:
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