Gottheimer Recounts 'Heartbreaking' Capitol Riot Experience

WASHINGTON, DC — Appearing on Fox 5 New York, New Jersey Congressman Josh Gottheimer questioned security measures on Capitol Hill, and recounted his experience during yesterday's Captiol riots.

Gottheimer, who was in the House Chambers when a mob of insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump, and, more specifically, his efforts to undermine the election of Joe Biden, called the events of the day, which included the deaths of four people, "heartbreaking."

The Congressman said the proceedings in the House Chamber had just begun when they started to hear the mob, who he called "lawless thugs," trying to get through the doors.

Congress members were instructed to put on gas masks before being evacuated out of the chamber, he said.

"It was not only a frightening day, but just a heartbreaking day given this attack on our constitution and our democracy," he said.

When asked by Fox 5's Lori Stokes about the security of the building, Gottheimer said an investigation is necessary.

"I think we have a lot of after action work to do there, to understand how this could happen," he said.

READ MORE: Trump Mob Attacks Capitol; 4 Deaths; 69 Arrests; FBI Seeks Tips

Though protests interrupted the certification of the election, the joint session of the Senate and House resumed into the night to continue acting as the Electoral College and formally count the electoral votes, officially making Biden president and Kamala Harris vice president.

Gottheimer, who asserted that the riots wouldn't halt the effort, said the good news coming from yesterday is the insurrection failed.

"It was foiled. Their attempt to obstruct democracy failed, and we will have a peaceful transition to power in 13 days," he said.

"We will have a peaceful transition, but I just can't believe what happened yesterday."

Watch the full interview here:

Gottheimer also appeared on CNBC alongside Rep. Tom Reed of New York. Watch that interview below: