Congress was suspended in the nation’s capital on Wednesday, as armed protesters forced their way into the US Capitol Building, with both the US Senate and US House of Representatives in session counting Electoral College votes. 

Iowa’s Third Congressional District Representative Cindy Axne tells Raccoon Valley Radio she and her office staff are safe as she describes the scene inside the Capitol, where protesters breached the building.

“They have made it into the Capitol and onto the Chamber floor, into Statuary Hall. The last thing I saw was someone coming out bloodied on a stretcher. We are in complete lockdown. We are to stay away from windows, we are to stay away from doors, do not leave surrounding the Capitol within a two block area. The entire place is on lockdown.”

   

Iowa’s Fourth Congressional District Representative Randy Feenstra says he was devastated by the events of how the situation, which he says started peacefully, then turned violent.

“Just sad as the world watches what’s happening to our free country. It’s just not acceptable (by) resorting to violence and anarchy is not acceptable. I just want to say that I thank and I’m so appreciative of the Capitol Police and the men and women in blue that are standing strong and protecting each and every one of us. They’re sacrificing themselves for us. Just a very, very sad day for America.”

Feenstra adds, the National Guard has also been called in for extra protection and he and his staff are safe.