Garamendi safe as protesters storm U.S. Capitol
(Photo: Armed police engage in a standoff with pro-Trump protesters inside the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday. Still frame via CNN broadcast.)
A spokesperson for Congressman John Garamendi says the lawmaker is safe amid reports that pro-Trump protesters have stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
No specifics were given as to the location of Rep. Garamendi, who represents Solano County in Congress.
The spokesperson said Garamendi’s staff in Washington are also safe and accounted for.
Protesters breached a security perimeter around the U.S. Capitol building on Wednesday as lawmakers were working to count the Electoral College votes in order to certify President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election.
Around 11 a.m., Vice President Mike Pence was rushed from the Senate chamber after protesters gained entry into the building. A short time later, both the Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives adjourned at the urging of Capitol police.
Reporters inside the Capitol say protesters have entered the House chamber. Photographs from inside the chamber showed a standoff between armed protesters and Capitol police.
A source told Solano News Update on Wednesday that several gunshots were heard inside the Capitol building after protesters stormed the building. The information mirrored similar reports by journalists and eyewitnesses on the scene. It was not clear if anyone was injured.
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