McConnell after rioters storm Capitol: ‘They tried to disrupt our democracy, they failed’

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) vowed that Congress would finish certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College win Wednesday, after the tallying was suspended for hours when rioters stormed the Capitol. 

McConnell, speaking from the Senate floor shortly after 8 p.m., pledged that the Senate would not be “intimidated” or kept out of the Senate chamber “by thugs, mobs or threats.” 

“We will not bow to lawlessness or intimidation. We are back at our posts. We will discharge our duty by the Constitution and for our nation. And we’re going to do it tonight,” McConnell said from the Senate floor. 

McConnell, referring to the rioters as “unhinged thugs,” added that “we will not be deterred today.” 

“They tried to disrupt our democracy. They failed. They failed to obstruct this Congress. This failed insurrection only underscores how crucial the task before us is for our republic,” McConnell said. 

“We’ll follow our precedents, our laws, and our Constitution to the letter. And we will certify the winner of the presidential election,” he added. 

The Senate reconvened hours after senators were forced to shelter in place in the chamber and then moved to a secure location as rioters breached the Capitol.

The Senate will vote on a challenge from Republicans to Arizona’s Electoral College votes, which will fail. 

But Republicans are hoping they’ve quashed a plan by other GOP senators to challenge the results from Georgia or Pennsylvania.