Staff report
Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate shared their experiences from the Capitol in Washington, D.C., amid protests and violence on Jan. 6. For the full story, click here.
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, via Twitter
U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Aurora, via Twitter
- “We have stopped the coup attempt and will be returning to the Capitol today to finish the business of the people. We will never back down, we will return.”
- “I was trapped in the House Chamber with a few members for a little while as protestors tried to ram down the doors. We didn’t know how we were gonna get out, but Capitol Police were able to clear a route and get us out. We’re all now being protected in a secure location.”
- “We swore an oath — in the military and in Congress — to support and defend our Constitution. Our vote today is bigger than a single election. It’s about honoring that charge and preserving the future of our democracy. And we will never back down when our democracy is threatened.”
U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Windsor, via Twitter
- “My staff and I are safe, please continue to pray for our nation. The events unfolding at the Capitol are outrageous. We will not tolerate anarchy in this country.”
- “This is not a protest, this is anarchy. This needs to stop, it’s un-American.”
- “Every American has the right to peacefully protest. But storming the US Capitol and attacking the brave men and women of the Capitol police force is wrong. This is not who we are.”
U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Arvada, via Twitter
• "I’m safe, but I'm filled w/sadness & anger as we witness these protests. It's the result of a fever that has been building for weeks, months & years, and which has only been further incited by President Trump. Today is a point of inflection & reflection, & we need to say enough."
• “Our job is not to overturn the will of the voters or the states, it's to certify their decision. I urge all of my colleagues to reject these frivolous & dangerous objections to the vote of the #ElectoralCollege & join w/ the country in supporting a peaceful transition of power.”
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Denver, via Twitter
- “I am safe and my staff is safe. We are currently in a secure lockdown. Today’s attack on the Capitol and our democracy is dangerous and unacceptable.”
- “We need to finish the job of certification as soon as possible to show the world that our democracy is up to this test. Our democracy is up to this test.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Lafayette, via Twitter
“My staff and I are safe — we were evacuated from the House floor, and are in a safe location. Thank you to all of our brave law enforcement officials for working so hard to protect the Capitol complex. Keep the faith.”
U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Denver, via Twitter
"My staff and I are safe and in a secure lockdown. Grateful to Capitol Police for their work to protect us. It’s a sad day for our country, but our democracy is stronger than the dangerous attack on the Capitol today."