Members of Congress said they were "horrified" by Friday's car ramming attack at the U.S. Capitol that left two people dead, including one Capitol Police officer and the suspect, and one office injured.
Why it matters: Some security fencing was removed a week ago after months of heightened security following the Jan 6. attack at the Capitol. National Guard remains at the U.S. Capitol but in smaller numbers. Members of the Guard were seen on Friday deploying toward the Capitol barrier following the incident.
What they're saying:
Senators:
- Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.): "Praying for the United States Capitol Police officers who were attacked at the Capitol. We are still learning what’s taken place. Grateful to all the USCP and first responders who are on the scene."
- Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa): "Praying for the law enforcement + first responders concerning the incident at the Capitol"
- Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.): "Monitoring the scene near the Senate today as we continue to learn more about what happened. Prayers go out to the officers injured."
U.S. Representatives:
- Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.): "Please join me in prayer for the two Capitol Police officers and their families. They reacted quickly and bravely, as did all the other first responders at the scene.The whole country is pulling for them right now."
- Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio): "Horrified by the news of what has transpired today at the Capitol. I am praying for the @CapitolPolice officers who were injured in the line of duty and am closely monitoring the situation."
- Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.): "Senior members of my Washington, DC- based team were notified by the media before they received alerts from @CapitolPolice This is a problem. And it needs to be resolved immediately."
- Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.): "Please keep these and all our US Capitol Police officers in your prayers."
The big picture: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Friday ordered Capitol flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the death of the Capitol Police officer.
- The House and Senate were both out of session at the time of the attack.
Editor's note: This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.
