Yesterday, Donald Trump incited a mob of domestic terrorists to storm the Capitol. They attempted to stage a violent coup and install him as president, despite his election loss.
By now, you've probably seen plenty of news coverage about this event. But to truly grasp just how horrific and dangerous the situation was for workers inside the Capitol, the following tweets paint a terrifying picture.
Here's how the event unfolded for the politicians, staffers, and journalists who were inside the Capitol yesterday, as told by 25 of their tweets:
1.
View from inside the Capitol as people gather on the West Front. The Capitol is currently on lockdown.
2.
Police officers are holding them steps away from the Senate chamber, which is locked. Senators are inside. I see a few confederate flags.
3.
I am in the House Chambers. We have been instructed to lie down on the floor and put on our gas masks. Chamber security and Capitol Police have their guns drawn as protesters bang on the front door of the chamber. This is not a protest. This is an attack on America.
4.
Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., comforts Rep. Susan Wild, D-Pa., while taking cover as protesters disrupt the joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College vote on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
5.
The chaplain is praying in the chamber as protestors have reached the doors.
6.
They’re shooting into the chamber.
7.
Lockdown. @AFP photographer Olivier Douliery was with Congress staffers forced to barricade themselves in a room after Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol
8.
A reporter is having a panic attack because we’re locked in the Capitol without any police protection, and we hear and feel rumblings underneath us. This is scary folks, especially after being labeled “the enemy” for some 4 years
9.
I just had to evacuate my office because of a pipe bomb reported outside. Supporters of the President are trying to force their way into the Capitol and I can hear what sounds like multiple gunshots. (1/2)
10.
I’m sheltering in place in my office. The building next door has been evacuated. I can’t believe I have to write this.
11.
Holy shit
12.
I’m in the Capitol. I’m safe, and my team and I are sheltering in place. The President of the United States has incited a riot that has now stormed the Capitol. There are rioters roaming the halls of the Capitol. I saw them with my own eyes. Our country deserves better.
13.
They’ve asked us to take cover on the House floor and get our gas masks ready. This is insane.
14.
Update: gas masks are being prepared
15.
Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-Pa., and other members take cover as protesters disrupt the joint session of Congress to certify the Electoral College vote on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
16.
I’m currently sheltering in place. The Capitol building has been breached and both chambers are locked down. This is the chaos and lawlessness @realDonaldTrump has created.
17.
Electoral college ballots rescued from the Senate floor. If our capable floor staff hadn’t grabbed them, they would have been burned by the mob.
18.
After 5 hours I’ve been rescued from my hiding place. Now i can show you my DIY barricade and gas masks. Protestors were right outside the door chanting ‘USA USA’ it was scary but i am ok! Thanks all for your prayers.
19.
I am safe. We have been evacuated. Let me be clear: we will not be stopped by this lawless intimidation.
20.
A thought I've never had in my life: I'm sitting next to a window in the Capitol. I wonder if someone could snipe me. It's been that kind of day.
21.
I’m in a safe location we’re good Y’all know this is insurrection and terrorism right?
22.
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said on WNYC that when he returned to the Capitol he saw broken windows and urine on the floor inside, and Steny Hoyer's tribute poster of John Lewis was missing
23.
The trail of destruction and looting. What happened today was an assault by the domestic terrorists who stormed the Capitol, but it was also an assault on our constitution. [sound on]
24.
Black maintenance staff, who were likely forced to hide during insurrection, are cleaning up the mess of a white mob that hung a noose outside the Capitol.
25.
This is the image I can’t forget. I’ve walked this hall 100s maybe 1000s of times w/pride & sense of duty around being a Black staffer in this space. But this message is loud & clear. Spent yesterday texting friends & fam I’m ok. Seeing this picture I realize. No, I’m not.