'Dark Day For Our Democracy:' Kim, Staff Safe Amid Capitol Siege

Toms River NJ

06 January, 2021

4:22 PM

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WASHINGTON, DC — A siege by protesters at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday is "a dark day for our democracy and our country," U.S. Rep. Andy Kim of New Jersey's Third District said. Kim, whose district represents parts of Ocean and Burlington counties, and his staff were safe, as protesters stormed the Capitol building to halt the Electoral College certification of Joe Biden as the next president of the United States. The move overwhelmed Capitol Police, who evacuated members of Congress as violence escalated. "This is a dark day for our democracy and our country," Kim said in a tweet. "The Capitol is a sacred land in our nation and should not be a place under siege. I am safe but heartbroken by this assault on our beautiful Capitol and our democracy." Members of Congress from both parties implored President Donald Trump to use his influence on Twitter to quell the violence. One person was treated for a gunshot wound at the Capitol, a Washington, D.C., paramedic told the Washington, D.C., Fox News affiliate. CNN cited two sources saying the woman was in critical condition. Trump, who moments earlier had told the teeming crowd of protesters that he would never concede, asked supporters at the Capitol "to remain peaceful." "No violence!" Trump tweeted. "Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order — respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!" Read more: Trump Mob Breach Locked Down Capitol; Biden Decries Riot This is a dark day for our democracy and our country. The Capitol is a sacred land in our nation and should not be a place under siege. I am safe but heartbroken by this assault on our beautiful Capitol and our democracy.— RepAndyKim (@RepAndyKimNJ) January 6, 2021 With reporting by Michael O'Connell, Patch staff