Rep. Gottheimer: Capitol Riots 'Sad And Dark Day For Our Nation'

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Josh Gottheimer went to work in the House Chambers today with one goal in mind: to certify the results of "our democratic election."

That goal was put on hold after supporters of President Donald Trump forced their way into both chambers of Congress in an attempt to halt the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States.

Gottheimer, who spoke via Twitter just after 4 p.m., said the actions of rioters put hundreds of lives at risk.

"This is a sad and dark day for our nation, but we will not let this reprehensible violence prevail. We will finish what we came here to do," he said.

As other members of Congress from both parties implored Trump to speak out and ask for the violence to stop — at least one person has been shot, according to reports — Gottheimer and fellow New Jersey Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. chose to contextualize what was happening.

"While we watch the republican Sedition Caucus try to burn down democracy, just outside us rioting rightwing mobs are attacking police trying to storm the Capitol," Pascrell tweeted.

"These extremists are egged on by trump and republicans' coup attempt. This is fascism."

In a video posted to Twitter, Trump did ask for the violence to stop, but only after making unfounded claims that the election was "stolen."

For more on this developing story, read our Patch report here: Trump Mob Breaches Capitol; 1 Shot In Melee; Biden Decries Riot