To start with hand account of the invasion of the Household chamber

WASHINGTON — America’s elected lawmakers were being trapped in the pretty chamber in which they discussion the country’s most pressing difficulties. 

Democracy was pretty much less than siege. 

Speaker of the Property Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), alongside with Bulk Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and Vast majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) have been rapidly ushered out of the Household chamber by safety staff as the mob penetrated the Capitol building. 

“I saw a phalanx of stability staff escort actually fast (the leaders) off the floor. Very quick,” reported Rep Gerry Connolly (D-VA). “In point, so quick that Nancy Pelosi remaining her phone, her Apple iphone, on the dais. Due to the fact there was no time for any planning just get out and get them secure. She, right after all, is second in line to the presidency.”

Dozens of other lawmakers, workers and journalists remained behind.

Congressman Connolly was amongst them. 

Immediately after the leaders were being ushered out of the home, organization briefly resumed as another member of Congress grew to become the presiding officer around the chamber, in accordance to Connolly. 

But soon just after that, in an unprecedented transfer, an unknown officer ascended to the dais and built a startling announcement to individuals who ended up current.

“We want you to get obtain to your fuel masks which are under the chairs in the chamber,” Connolly recounted. 

There are gas masks stowed underneath the seats in the chamber for unexpected emergency applications, a great deal like the inflatable devices beneath airplane seats.

Several additional tense moments handed then the group was resolved by the officer after once again.

“That police officer came back again and stated we need to evacuate the chamber immediately,” mentioned Connolly. “We experienced only a person escape route down to the basement to the tunnels.”

Connolly reported he was a person of the last folks to evacuate the Residence chamber.

“I turned to my remaining as I was leaving the household chamber and I saw the mob ideal there at the doorways. Breaking the home windows, pounding on the doors. They ended up seeking to get into the Property chamber,” stated Connolly.

The members fled into the tunnels beneath the Capitol with the remaining security group, staffers and journalists who experienced been in the Property chamber. They took shelter in an unknown locale in one particular of the Residence business buildings throughout the road from the Capitol. 

“Even that was menacing mainly because now you have obtained 150 members of Congress, team and push all in a person place, all in a person spot. A juicy focus on for the mob,” stated Connolly. “And experienced that locale been revealed or discovered, I imagine the benefits would have been fairly nightmarish.”