Chad Wolf: ‘Violent Opportunists at the U.S. Capitol Grounds Must Be Held Accountable’

Acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf spoke out amid the violence and chaos descending upon the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, declaring that the “violent opportunists” breaching the Capitol “must be held accountable.”

“Violence in any form is unacceptable. NO one has the right to attack ANY federal institution regardless of motivation,” Wolf said Wednesday afternoon as protesters descended on the U.S Capitol, triggering a lockdown of the complex and the use of tear gas in the Rotunda. Guns have also been drawn on the House floor:

U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber
📷 AP/Andrew Harnik pic.twitter.com/NtWGCxCb4A

— POLITICO (@politico) January 6, 2021

A shooting victim has also been transported from the U.S. Capitol, according to reports.

“Violent opportunists at the US Capitol grounds must be held accountable. We have a proud history of resolving our differences through peaceful means,” he added:

Violence in any form is unacceptable. NO one has the right to attack ANY federal institution regardless of motivation. Violent opportunists at the US Capitol grounds must be held accountable. We have a proud history of resolving our differences through peaceful means.

— Acting Secretary Chad Wolf (@DHS_Wolf) January 6, 2021

This is what it looked like inside the House chamber as members grabbed their gas masks before evacuating this afternoon 📷 APhttps://t.co/NhxynD0UD8 pic.twitter.com/sBwVpxKZ7X

— POLITICO (@politico) January 6, 2021

According to CNN’s Josh Campbell, the Defense Department “has received a request from the US Capitol Police for additional DC National Guard forces, but a decision has not been made whether to send resources”:

The Defense Department has received a request from the US Capitol Police for additional DC National Guard forces, but a decision has not been made whether to send resources…

—@barbarastarrcnn reports

— Josh Campbell (@joshscampbell) January 6, 2021

However, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany announced that the National Guard is on its way, per President Trump’s direction:

At President @realDonaldTrump’s direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.

We reiterate President Trump’s call against violence and to remain peaceful.

— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) January 6, 2021

The request follows protesters breaching the Capitol, forcing evacuations.

“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue,” Trump said as the chaos continued to unfold:

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021