Lawmakers express outrage to Capitol violence

Mississippi lawmakers have come out strongly against Wednesday’s violent occupation attempt of the U.S. Capitol today in Washington, D.C. 

Supporters of President Trump entered the Capitol building to protest the expected vote by Congress to affirm the November election of Joe Biden as president.  Lawmakers were forced to evacuate the Capitol building and the action interrupted challenges to the Electoral College result. 

The protest lasted about four hours before the Capitol was declared secure by police and a curfew was being put in place.  Protestors reportedly were seen fighting with officers both inside and outside the Capitol.

The Magnolia State’s two U.S. Senators and four Representatives were all outspoken in their opposition to the violence.  

U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a staunch supporter of President Trump, took to Twitter to let people know she and her staff were safe.  

Thank you for the messages of concern. My staff & I are safe. Whatever frustrations any American may have, violence & destruction in the US Capitol, the seat of our democratic government, is unacceptable. I'm grateful for @CapitolPolice & those working to stabilize the situation.

— U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (@SenHydeSmith) January 6, 2021

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, Mississippi’s senior U.S. senator, also used Twitter to express his disappointment in today’s violent action.  

To everyone who has asked, I am safe.
 
I thank the brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police and federal law enforcement for their work to bring this lawlessness and violence in the Capitol building to an end.

— Senator Roger Wicker (@SenatorWicker) January 6, 2021

Earlier in the day, Wicker, a Republican, said he would vote to certify Biden’s election, as stated in a news release posted on his official website. Hyde-Smith, also Republican, has not made a similar statement.

First District Congressman Trent Kelly made a simple statement on Twitter to express his disappointment about the violence.

Please keep protests peaceful and lawful. I condemn all acts of violence. #MS01

— Trent Kelly (@RepTrentKelly) January 6, 2021

The protestors invaded the Capitol in an attempt to thwart what they claimed was a stolen re-election of Trump by Biden, a claim they have not provided evidence to support.  

Tragically, a woman inside the Capitol at the time of today’s rioting was shot and late reports have indicated the woman has died of her wound. The certification process of the Biden election was expected to continue Wednesday evening.