'Praying For Safety Of Public Servants' In D.C. Says Sen. Muth

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Yesterday they tweeted their happiness and pride in representing Chester County in state offices. But less than 24 hours after newly elected representatives and senators took their oaths of office, they began tweeting about "what is happening in Washington D.C."

U.S Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-19th) said, "In light of what is happening in Washington, D.C. today, we must be more determined than ever to defend our Democracy and deliver the will of the voters. We must do it because it is our duty as Pennsylvanians, as Americans, and as people who love this nation."

She spoke of a violent disruption of the U.S. Senate's finalization of the Electoral College vote.

Pennsylvania Sen. Katie Muth (D-44th) said on Twitter, "This is nothing short of an assault on our democracy. America is better than this and the mob that stormed the capitol does not represent the majority."

Muth also said, "I am praying for the safety of the public servants, their staffs, capitol police, and the employees who work within the building as they flee the terror that has ascended on the United States Capitol."

U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-6th), who was in Washington today, condemned the situation as every thing this country should not be. She said, "I served this country in both the Air Force and now in Congress. People give their lives so that we can live in a peaceful and free society with a peaceful transition of power. Today’s violent actions at the Capitol are the antithesis of who we are as a country."

Pennsylvania Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-155th) said, "The events that have unfolded at our nation's Capitol today are neither unexpected nor were they unintended. This assault on our democracy has been incited from the PA State Capitol to the White House, putting thousands of people at risk, as well as the very foundation that our civilized free nation stands upon. With all of you, I am watching in awe of how far the President and his enablers have been willing to go for power. It is up to all of us, every single one of us, to restore peace, order, accountability, and democracy to our nation. We must each take personal responsibility to participate and be the solution. We owe it to every person who has laid down their life for our freedom and national security."

The recently re-elected state representative added, "The only thing I know to do at this moment is to pray for the soul of our nation. My heart is with our Congressional delegation and everyone who is charged with their protection. Buildings can be restored. Democracy is fragile. Life is precious and cannot be replaced."

President-elect Joe Biden spoke to the nation after rioters waving Trump flags broke windows in the Capitol building and stormed into the U.S. Senate chamber, putting the Capitol into lockdown as police try to hold back the surge.

Biden called the events "an assault on the citadel of liberty" and "an assault on the rule of law."

"This is not dissent, it's chaos. It borders on sedition," Biden said.

Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) was in the Capitol complex today, but his staff Tweeted he was safe and taking direction from Capitol Police.

After Biden called on President Trump to call for an end to the situation, Trump published a video, saying the election was stolen but telling the protesters to go home.

Biden also said, "America is so much better than we're seeing today."

Muth Tweeted earlier in the day a quote from the late John Lewis. "When you see something that is not right, you must say something. You must do something. Democracy is not a state. It is an act. Ordinary people with extraordinary vision can redeem the soul of America by getting what I call good trouble, necessary trouble."