SC Gov. McMaster says country should be ‘alarmed, saddened’ as mob storms US Capitol

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Wednesday that “violence must not be tolerated” after hundreds of rioters stormed the Capitol building, sending members of Congress to shelter in place.

“It is hard to believe what we are seeing at our beloved Capitol. We should be alarmed — but also deeply saddened,” the governor tweeted. “Protest is honored, but violence cannot be tolerated. Those who believe in America should leave the building immediately. The rule of law must prevail.”

The Capitol is on lockdown after a mob of thousands with pro-Trump clothing and flags stormed the building as the House and Senate were debating objections to Electoral College votes, certifying President-elect Joe Biden the winner.

The rioters also breached the doors to the House and Senate chambers, forcing members, staff and reporters to shelter in place.

Reporters tweeted photos of guns drawn inside the House chamber, where protesters had broken glass. Another photo by a reporter showed a rioter standing at the dais in the Senate as rioters also forced their way inside the Senate.

This is a developing story. Check back for details.

This story was originally published January 6, 2021 at 3:58 PM.

Maayan Schechter

The State

Maayan Schechter (My-yahn Schek-ter) is the senior editor of The State’s politics and government team. She has covered the S.C. State House and politics for The State since 2017. She grew up in Atlanta, Ga. and graduated from the University of North Carolina-Asheville in 2013. She previously worked at the Aiken Standard and the Greenville News. She has won reporting awards in South Carolina. Support my work with a digital subscription