Illinois congressional delegates expressed anger and revulsion after a mob broke into the U.S. Capitol Wednesday while Congress was certifying president-elect Joe Biden’s victory. One congressman, Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., called it a “coup.”
The throng broke through multiple police lines after President Donald Trump urged his supporters to march to the building and protest the certification process. The pro-Trump swarm later trashed congressional offices and broke into both chambers of Congress. One person was shot during the skirmish.
Here’s what some of the delegates had to say
Sen. Tammy Duckworth:
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.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 6, 2021
I will not yield to those who seek to harm our democracy.
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 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.
— Tammy Duckworth (@SenDuckworth) January 6, 2021
I will not yield to those who seek to harm our democracy.
Illinois’s 1st district: Rep. Bobby Rush
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
Illinois’s 3rd district: Marie Newman
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.
— Congresswoman Marie Newman (@RepMarieNewman) January 6, 2021
We will continue to provide updates as necessary.
Illinois’s 4th district: Jesús “Chuy” García
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
Illinois’s 6th district: Sean Casten
Thank you for your concern, Kate.
— Rep. Sean Casten (@RepCasten) January 6, 2021
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
Illinois’s 7th district: Danny K. Davis
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
Illinois’s 8th district: Raja Krishnamoorthi
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
Illinois’s 10th district: Brad Schneider
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.
— Rep. Brad Schneider (@RepSchneider) January 6, 2021
Pray for our nation.
Illinois’s 11th district: Bill Foster
The situation at the Capitol has become dangerous.
— Bill Foster (@RepBillFoster) January 6, 2021
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.
Every Member should call this what it is: an attempted coup, and call for it to end immediately.
— Bill Foster (@RepBillFoster) January 6, 2021
Illinois’s 12th district: Mike Bost
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
Illinois’s 16th district: Adam Kinzinger
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
Illinois’s 17th district: Cheri Bustos
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
Illinois’s 18th district: Darin LaHood
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.
— Darin LaHood (@RepLaHood) January 6, 2021
Thank you to Capitol Police and law enforcement for working to keep people safe.
