Illinois members of Congress react to chaos in Capitol

I have spent my entire adult life defending our Constitution and people’s rights to peacefully demonstrate. I never thought I’d need to defend democracy from an attempted, violent overthrow in our own nation’s Capitol.

I will not yield to those who seek to harm our democracy.

— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 6, 2021

As Donald Trump continues to lie about attacks on our democracy and fan the flames of debunked conspiracy theories, his supporters carrying Confederate flags are literally breaking into the U.S. Capitol to prevent elected representatives from casting their votes. https://t.co/wHzPajnddT

— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 6, 2021

I personally heard this morning "This is not a protest, this is a revolution." https://t.co/y794Z44r0B

— Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) January 6, 2021

Looking out of my window, I don’t see protestors. I see Trump-inspired rioters. How were these lawbreakers allowed to shut down the US Congress? If they had been Black or Brown, there would be a far different portrayal. Media stop calling this a protest, this is a riot, clearly!

— Bobby L. Rush (@RepBobbyRush) January 6, 2021

My staff and I are safe and currently sheltering in place. I urge everyone to stay calm as this situation continues to unfold. I’m praying for the safety of all my colleagues, their staff and for this entire nation.

We will continue to provide updates as necessary.

— Congresswoman Marie Newman (@RepMarieNewman) January 6, 2021

I am sheltering in place. My staff and I are safe, but this is a shameful day for our country.

— Congressman Chuy García (@RepChuyGarcia) January 6, 2021

Thank you for your concern, Kate.

I am safe and so is my wonderful staff—most of whom are sheltering in place at home.

My sincere gratitude goes to the U.S. Capitol Police for their service today and always. https://t.co/uFmgy7kZT5

— Rep. Sean Casten (@RepCasten) January 6, 2021

The Senate pic.twitter.com/ooJZ6qNATe

— Steven Nelson (@stevennelson10) January 6, 2021

Today is a complete and utter embarrassment.

— Rep. Danny K. Davis (@RepDannyDavis) January 6, 2021

I'm sheltering safely on the Capitol grounds as we're witnessing the current acts of mob destruction and violence which followed the President's urging and his refusal to accept the result of our fair democratic election even as the courts and senior Republican leaders have.

— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) January 6, 2021

Our country is better than this, our democracy is stronger than this, and we will move forward. But this is a dark day for our country.

— Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (@CongressmanRaja) January 6, 2021

This afternoon, as I was in the House Chamber for the counting of the electoral college ballots, protesters breached the security areas and entered the Capitol. After briefly sheltering in place we have been safely evacuated from the Capitol. I am currently safe and secure.

— Rep. Brad Schneider (@RepSchneider) January 6, 2021

I am grateful for everyone’s due concern and for the actions of the US Capitol Police.

Pray for our nation.

— Rep. Brad Schneider (@RepSchneider) January 6, 2021

The situation at the Capitol has become dangerous.

This is what weeks of undermining democracy has led to, and blame for this disgraceful situation lays at the feet of the President and the Members of Congress who have put loyalty to him above their loyalty to the Constitution.

— Congressman Bill Foster (@RepBillFoster) January 6, 2021

Every Member should call this what it is: an attempted coup, and call for it to end immediately.

— Congressman Bill Foster (@RepBillFoster) January 6, 2021

I wanted to let everyone know that I'm safe. Americans cherish our right to free speech & peaceful protest. But what’s happening in our nation’s capital is not just unacceptable, it’s un-American. Please pray for peace & the safety of our brave law enforcement & 1st responders.

— Rep. Mike Bost (@RepBost) January 6, 2021

This is a sad day for our country. The lawlessness has got to stop. Protestors must leave the Capitol so Congress can resume the process of confirming the Electoral College vote. My staff and I are currently safe. More to say later.

— US Rep Rodney Davis (@RodneyDavis) January 6, 2021

We are a nation of laws and while we shall defend our right to peacefully disagree, violence is unacceptable.

— Rep. Mary Miller (@RepMaryMiller) January 6, 2021

This is a coup attempt.

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 6, 2021

You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster. https://t.co/7jWYWE7TVj

— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 6, 2021

Earlier today, I was on the House Floor for the beginning of the debate. I, and other House Members on the Floor, are safe in a secure location. Thank you the Capitol Police for their actions in protecting us and our country today.

— Rep. Cheri Bustos (@RepCheri) January 6, 2021

I have always fought for the right to peacefully protest, but there is a stark difference between protesting and rioting. Lawlessness is never an acceptable answer. This must end now.

Thank you to Capitol Police and law enforcement for working to keep people safe.

— Darin LaHood (@RepLaHood) January 6, 2021