ATLANTA — Members of Georgia’s congressional delegation who were caught in the chaos at the Capitol Wednesday all report that they are safe and secure.
Channel 2′s Richard Elliot was in DeKalb County with one Republican congressman’s reaction to the violent protests that broke out on the day Congress was set to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s win.
[SPECIAL SECTION: Election 2020]
Representatives Hank Johnson, Carolyn Boudreaux and Nikema Williams are safe. Elliot was also able to talk on the phone with Rep. Barry Loudermilk.
As the chaos unfolded, Loudermilk called on President Donald Trump to do more to defuse the situation.
TRENDING NOW:
Jon Ossoff defeats incumbent David Perdue to become Georgia’s next senator
Chaos at the Capitol: Congress evacuated, 1 person shot has died, curfew in effect, live updates
Georgia lawmakers, officials condemn violent protests at U.S. Capitol
Loudermilk was hunkered down in a congressional office building while the building was on lockdown.
“It’s crazy up here,” Loudermilk said. “I started calling to other members. They’re either in their office secure or in a secure location.”
Loudermilk said he and his staff watched the riot outside and inside the Capitol with horror.
“To see our halls of government, the institution of freedom being invaded with our Capitol police, our brave Capitol police with their arms drawn, trying to keep people out of the House chambers. That’s not what we’re here for,” he said.
Loudermilk is one of those who said he was supporting Republicans who are objecting to Biden’s election. But he said this riot goes way beyond anything he expected or condones in any way.
“I’ve already communicated with the White House that we need him to come out strong and ask people to stand down,” Loudermilk said.
Congresswoman Lucy McBath confirmed that she was safe on Twitter and condemned the violence.
“The actions of those seeking to overturn the will of the people are dangerous and destructive and will not succeed,” McBath tweeted.
