Lawmakers were scared of being killed as they heard gun shots and saw shirtless, tattooed rioters filling the building. Police instructed lawmakers to shelter in place, get the tear gas masks, and be ready.
“We were crouching down and going wherever the police thought that we’d be safest. We sort of made a run for it. I’ve been shot at, so I guess I’ve been in life-threatening situations, but not one involving the House floor of the most important democracy in the world,” said Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Illinois) as quoted by USA Today.
Other lawmakers were prepared to fight back and protect the U.S. House of Representatives against the mob who are trying to breach its doors.
Republican Reps. Pat Fallon, Tony Gonzalez, Troy Nehls, all from Texas and others vowed to stay and fight.
In a post on Facebook, Rep. Fallon wrote, “The mob reached the actual doors to the House Chamber and there was visible concern on everyone’s faces and yet we stood our ground. Tony Gonzalez and Troy Nehls were literally on the front lines with myself and Admiral Jackson directly behind them and beside Rep Mark Wayne Mullin (who promised he’d be the last person to leave-standing guard while other members, both Democrats & Republicans were being evacuated to safety) and Ken Buck from CO was there as well. We broke off furniture to make clubs to defend the US House of Representatives.
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