Loeffler Retracts Electoral Objection After Capitol Riots

ATLANTA, GA — Outgoing Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who lost her seat to Democrat Senator-elect Raphael Warnock Jan. 5, retracted her previous objections to the certification of Joe Biden's presidency, the senator said during the reconvened Electoral College certification Jan. 6.

Earlier on Wednesday, pro-Trump supporters stormed their way into the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday to halt the Electoral College certification of Biden as the next president of the United States. The move overwhelmed Capitol Police, who evacuated members of Congress as violence escalated and one person was killed.

The Senate and House resumed the electoral count at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday with comments from the vice president and Senate leaders condemning the "thugs" who desecrated the building.

Loeffler said the riot at the Capitol "forced her to reconsider" her objection to the results. The outgoing senator has previously voiced support on Trump's baseless claims of voter fraud in the presidential election.

"I cannot now in good conscience object to the certification of these electors," Loeffler said. "The violence, the lawlessness and siege of the halls of Congress are abhorrent and stand as a direct attack on the very institution my objection was intended to protect: the sanctity of the American democratic process."

Loeffler said while there were still "irregularities" in the presidential election, there is no excuse for the events at the Capitol on Wednesday.

"There is no excuse for the events that took place in these chambers today," said Loeffler, who received applause as she finished speaking. "I pray that America never suffers such a dark day again."