President Trump’s former attorney general, William Barr, on Wednesday, denounced the violence at the U.S. Capitol and called for pro-Trump rioters to be dispersed by law enforcement immediately.
As shocking scenes unfolded as a mob descended on the U.S. Capitol, Barr released a statement through former Justice Department spokeswoman Keri Kupec, saying: “The violence at the Capitol Building is outrageous and despicable. Federal agencies should move immediately to disperse it.”
Barr’s comments come as violent rioters stormed the House and Senate chambers and other parts of the facility and for hours were met with only sparse resistance from Capitol Police, forcing lawmakers to shelter in secure areas as hundreds paraded through the halls and chambers where lawmakers had been moments before.
Reports indicated that one person was shot during the confrontations and officials later moved to call in reinforcements from surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Other allies of the president including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) issued similar calls for mobs of rioters to face prosecution for their actions Wednesday, while Trump himself released a video message reiterating his false claim that the 2020 election was “stolen” and asking rioters to leave peacefully.