Texas Capitol grounds are closed as Texas leaders make pleas for current unrest to stop

As protests turned violent at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday as Congress was set to certify the electoral college votes for the presidential election, Texas lawmakers on both sides of the aisle made pleas for the unrest to stop via their respective social media platforms.

District 21 Representative Chip Roy (Republican) called on President Trump to establish order, saying it’s the last thing (he’ll) do that matters as President.

GOP Representative Roger Williams, representing District 25, said he is ‘disgusted’ by the actions of those committing violence. “This behavior is an extraordinary stain on our democracy.”

Republican Representative Michael McCaul (District 10), released a video on his Twitter, saying he was forced into lockdown in his office. McCaul said, “This violence cannot stand; it has to stop.”

Democrat Representative Lloyd Doggett, representing the 35th District, tweeted, “I am currently safe, but the Capitol has been breached and some colleagues are trapped there.”

Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who had gone on record saying that he would oppose the certification of electoral votes from Arizona, said those storming the Capitol need to stop ‘NOW.’ Cruz added, “The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence – from Left or Right – is ALWAYS wrong, and those engaged in violence are hurting the cause they say they support.”

Earlier in the day on Wednesday, dozens of people gathered in front of the Texas Capitol in a planned rally called “Operation Occupy The Capitol Texas”, which coincided with other events around the country and in the nation’s capital. The event’s description notes “We will stand with states across the country to show our elected officials we will not stand for corruption!”

Despite the Austin protest having remained peaceful, Texas DPS closed the Texas Capitol grounds “out of an abundance of caution.”