GOP lawmakers plead for calm, urge Trump to help restore order amid Capitol violence

Republican lawmakers called on President Trump to restore order Wednesday as the president’s supporters breached the Capitol, halting Congress’s review of the Electoral College results. 

House and Senate lawmakers had met in a joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College votes showing President-elect Joe Biden’s win, but pro-Trump protesters stormed their way into the Capitol during the congressional gathering, in which Vice President Pence was present.

Pence, and later other lawmakers, were evacuated.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio (R) tweeted to Trump that “the men & women of law enforcement are under assault.”

“It is crucial you help restore order by sending resources to assist the police and ask those doing this to stand down,” Rubio said.

Republican Rep. Mike Gallagher (Wis.) told CNN that he hasn’t “seen anything like this since I was in Iraq in 2007-09.”

“The president needs to call it off. Call it off. It’s over,” Gallagher told the network. 

Trump spoke to supporters earlier on the National Mall on Wednesday, repeating falsehoods about the election being stolen and encouraging them to head towards the Capitol. He also put pressure on Republicans to support his efforts to overturn the results.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who was leading a challenge in the Senate to challenge the election results, called for peace after the violence broke out Wednesday. 

“Those storming the Capitol need to stop NOW. The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence—from Left or Right— is ALWAYS wrong. And those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support,” Cruz tweeted.

The president called for law and order after the Capitol was breached, but did not explicitly condemn the demonstrations. 

“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order,” the president tweeted.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

Prior to that, in a separate tweet, the president called for peace and praised the Capitol Police. 

“Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!

Former Trump chief of staff Mick Mulvaney said his tweet “was not enough.” 

“He can stop this now and needs to do exactly that. Tell these folks to go home,” Mulvaney said.