Pence, Grassley Rushed to Secure Location

The certification of the election results Wednesday came to an abrupt and shocking halt amid scenes of chaos after pro-President Trump protesters stormed the Capitol building. The House and Senate sessions debating an objection to Arizona's result were gaveled out and both chambers were locked down before lawmakers were evacuated and Vice President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the joint session, and Sen. Charles Grassley, the Senate president pro tempore, were rushed to a secure location, NBC reports. It wasn't clear when it would be possible to resume proceedings. More:

• The New York Times reports that Sen. Mitt Romney yelled "This is what you've gotten, guys," apparently addressing Republican colleagues who supported Trump's unfounded claims that the election was stolen.

• The Washington Post reports that the entire Washington, DC, National Guard has now been activated, a total of 1,100 guardsmen.
• Rep. Kevin McCarthy, the top House Republican, condemned the invasion. "This is so un-American," he said. "I could not be sadder or more disappointed at the way our country looks at this very moment. He added: "This is not the American way. This is not protected by the First Amendment. This must stop now." Another Republican, Rep Adam Kinzinger, denounced what he called a "coup attempt."
• The Times reports that the chaotic scenes inside the Capitol included looting, with protesters storming House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's offices and ripping photos off walls.
• Trump tweeted a call for protesters to remain peaceful, but did not tell them to disperse, while Pence urged protesters to leave the building immediately. "The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now," he tweeted.

(More Washington, DC stories.)