by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine US Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) just concluded a telephone press conference (Wednesday 4:30 pm) in which he described the chaotic scene inside the Capitol, clear to those events on the news programs. He said he was safe and removed to a secure location. There are protocols for such an event, he said. He also said this is a perilous time for democracy in the United States and that, though he admitted it would be unlikely, that President Trump should be removed immediately for inciting this riot.
"This is a time of great peril for our democracy," Welch said.
Welch said he was in the chamber at the time and said the Capitol Police first whisked Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer from the floor. There were only a couple dozen representatives in the chamber at the time.
Welch said he heard banging on the door from the rioters and also what sounded like shots being fired and perhaps tear gas being deployed. He was then taken by police, whom he praised, to a secure location.
As for the 25th amendment in which the president can be removed by the vice president and a majority of the cabinet, Welch said: "I support removing the president right away." Welch added that he thought it was unrealistic to expect such a move.
As for reports that someone had been shot inside the Capitol itself, Welch said he had heard shots but did not know anything more than what the news organizations were reporting.
Welch said that Congress must continue what they began today and certify the election of President-elect Joe Biden.
He said that though this is a "perilous time" that it is also a time of hope for a better time. He also said that we cannot choose the times we live in but can only hope to make them better.
While Congressman Welch was speaking a reporter could hear other voices and at one point a faint cheering, but for what was not clear.
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Also at about 4:30 pm. US Senator Patrick Leahy said in a tweet: "Safe with other Senators. We are eager to get back on Senate Floor when safe and resume the certification of the election. I applaud President-elect Biden’s remarks a few moments ago."