State lawmakers joined, observed Capitol turmoil

A West Virginia lawmaker who filmed himself and supporters of President Donald Trump storming into U.S. Capitol is facing bipartisan calls for his resignation as federal prosecutors step up ir pursuit of violent perpetrators. State Del. Derrick Evans was among lawmakers from at least seven states who traveled to Washington, D.C., for demonstrations rooted in baseless conspiracy ory that Democrat Joe Biden stole presidential election.

Wearing a helmet, Evans ultimately joined a screaming mob as it pushed its way into Capitol building, and live-streamed himself joyfully strolling inside. It’s unclear if Evans was only elected official to participate in what Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and many ors called a “failed insurrection.”It's also t kwn if any of m will be prosecuted.

Pennsylvania state Sen. Doug Mastria said he helped organize a bus ride to demonstrations but left U.S. Capitol area after eruption of violence, which he called “unacceptable.”

top Democrat in Pennsylvania Senate, and eight of his colleagues, want him to resign, saying his actions and words disputing election's integrity encourd a coup attempt and inspired people behind it. Tennessee state Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver said Wednesday night that it had been an “epic and historic day.” Republican lawmaker told Tennessean she was “in thick of it” but hadn’t seen any violence.

Weaver did t respond to emailed questions from Associated Press about wher she entered Capitol.Arizona state Rep. Mark Finchem posted photos of himself attending protest outside Capitol, but his office said he observed from afar. Liberal groups in state want him expelled for backing effort to overturn election.

Virginia state Sen. Amanda Chase, an outspoken Trump supporter who is running for goverr, attended president's rally Wednesday in which Trump urged supporters to march to Capitol.Chase said in a Facebook video that she left near end of rally on advice of her security team, and re is indication she was part of group that stormed Capitol.

Republican state Rep. David Eastman of Alaska said he went to Washington to object to Electoral College votes of several states confirming Biden's election, but didn't participate in demonstrations.Hill described Trump rally as “very peaceful.”“But what I saw at Capitol was t same people," he said. “I wasn’t re rallying troops to overthrow government.”

(Im Credit: AP)