WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCHS/WVAH) — With the U.S. Capitol on lockdown as protesters breached security on Wednesday, one lawmaker who represents West Virginia shared a photo that showed an “escape hood.”
“I’m safe,” Rep. Alex Mooney said in a tweet. “We’ve been equipped with escape hoods and we are being moved through the Capitol.”
Mooney, a Republican, has been a staunch supporter of President Donald Trump.
Before Congress took up the Electoral College vote, Mooney, who represents West Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, said he would listen to the debate before he made his decision.
Reports said announcements were played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Congress went into recess as the protest raged outside.
A spokesperson for Mooney said he and his staff are in a safe location. A representative for U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., also said the senator is in a safe location.
A representative for U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said the senator and her staff are safe.