Michigan Congresswoman Lisa McClain (Romeo) spoke with Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit on Wednesday while on lockdown inside the U.S. Capitol building.
McClain, who now represents Michigan’s 10th congressional district after winning election in November, described a sudden evacuation from the U.S. House floor as pro-President Trump demonstrators stormed the Capitol building.
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“We were on the floor, listening to arguments and debate, and it was, you know, nice and civil, and then all of a sudden the Capitol Police came in and evacuated, shooed us, basically, out of the chamber and got us to a safe area, and that is where we are now,” McClain said. “We’re all safe and secure. Capitol Police have done a phenomenal job. And, yes, safe and secure ... violence should never be tolerated but my hat off to the Capitol Police and Secret Service. They are doing a remarkable job.”
A large group of supporters for Trump are pushing toward Capitol buildings in Washington D.C. as lawmakers are meeting to certify an election win for Joe Biden. They tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol’s steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. Some in the crowd were shouting “traitors” as officers tried to keep them back. Groups have also gathered in Lansing.
At about 2:15 p.m., the U.S. Capitol was placed on lockdown as groups breached the Capitol steps. Vice President Mike Pence was removed from the U.S. Senate chamber. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was also removed from the House floor. The Senate has recessed and has been evacuated. Video on MSNBC showed what appeared to be a person covered in blood being rushed away from the Capitol on a stretcher. The AP reports one person has been shot.
Despite all of this, McClain said she felt safe.
“I think we are in the safest ... believe it or not, but I feel safe, I feel secure, for all of the families that are out there listening. Again, the Capitol Police and Secret Service are doing a remarkable job, they have us safe. They have us secure. Please don’t worry,” she said.
Many of McClain’s colleagues tweeted that they were handed gas masks and were told to lie down on the floor.
“It’s better to be safe than sorry ... so I think it’s way better to take precautions because we don’t know exactly 100 percent what’s happening. And in times of crisis, I would rather be over prepared than underprepared. So, it’s there. We are taking every precaution necessary. And again, I would rather be over prepared than underprepared,” said McClain.
McClain received more than 270,000 votes in November to defeat Democrat Kimberly Bizon.
More: Pro-Trump groups storm US Capitol, force lockdown: Follow live coverage
McClain casted doubt on Michigan election process, results
In November, McClain questioned the General Election process and results in Michigan, even though she won her race.
“I think we should pause,” McClain said in November, casting doubt on Michigan’s election process. “I think the key is let’s make sure that we have a process that works. That is honest, transparent, trustworthy, and that the American people believe in.”
In an interview with WDIV Local 4′s Grant Hermes she was asked if she thought the current election process had those qualities she replied, “It really, it really doesn’t.”
She is a Republican who ran on her loyalty to President Donald Trump alleged votes counted after election night were suspect. Pointing to the state of Florida, which broke for the President and counted votes quickly compared to other swing states. The example calling into question states like Pennsylvania, Arizona and Michigan were ballots after election night.
“This year Florida got done counting their ballots, I think it was 2 a.m. in the morning,” she said. “We still have states that are in the process of counting their ballots. I think there’s a lot to learn from the state of Florida.”
McClain objects to Michigan electors
McClain ended up objecting to Michigan’s electors on Wednesday, Jan. 6, even after the violence that broke out at the U.S. Capitol.
From the Michigan delegation, US Reps. Bergman, Walberg and newly elected Lisa McClain objected to Michigan's slate of electors for president.
— Kathy Gray (@michpoligal) January 7, 2021