Congressman Michael McCaul, the U.S. representative for Texas District 10 which includes portions of west Harris County, was barricaded in his office as of 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, in the U.S. Capitol after violent Pro-Trump rioters stormed the building earlier today.
McCaul recounted his ordeal and lamented the attack upon both the Capitol building and American democracy.
“It’s disgraceful,” McCaul said. “One of our finest institutions, and really the building that represents our democracy, is under attack.”
On HoustonChronicle.com: Trump supporters storm US Capitol, lawmakers evacuated
Speaking from inside his office where he is currently barricaded, McCaul recalled the events leading up to the riot and described the attacks.
“It’s a sad day for America,” McCaul said, speaking from inside his office. “The last time something like this happened was when the British invaded in 1812.”
Before the turmoil began, the tension was high outside the Capitol, he recalled. “I’d seen this group gathering in the morning, and I was very worried that something like this was going to happen because you have a lot of hostile people outside the Capitol.”
McCaul was on his way to vote on accepting the official electoral vote count when the violence broke out. He received a notification that protesters had stormed the capital, so he barricaded himself in his office.
“I’ve never seen the Capitol under attack like this, where they literally broke down the barricades, they broke the windows and doors and got into the Senate chamber, and took that over trying to get into the House chamber,” he said.
The unprecedented nature of the violence left the Capitol police unprepared for such a large-scale assault.
“We were very worried they were going to bust the doors down,” he said. “The Capitol police are our protection, but they were completely overwhelmed by tens of thousands of protesters.”
The violence, McCaul noted, is misguided.
“I believe that (protesters) were sort of misled to believe that Congress is going to overturn this election,” he said. “That’s not really the role of Congress. We count the votes, but only states have the authority to present the electors to the Congress. We can’t overturn or second guess the vote.”
McCaul is safe inside his office, but the threat to his safety remains. The National Guard is sweeping the building following reports of potential explosive devices.
On HoustonChronicle.com: Curfew settles across D.C. following day of chaos at Capitol
On a broader scale, McCaul fears for the safety of democracy in the nation.
“This is not how democracy is supposed to happen,” he said. “Our democracy is not a military coup. It’s not an invasion. It’s a peaceful transition of power, and that’s the way it’s been since the beginning of our country.”
Despite the day’s violence, McCaul said that his fellow members of Congress and he are undaunted in their resolve to follow through with the vote.
“We’re going to vote to certify the Electoral College, and it’s time to make the peaceful transition,” he said.
claire.goodman@chron.com
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