Georgia secretary of state's office evacuated out of precaution as chaos unfolds in DC
ATLANTA - Georgia’s Secretary of State’s Office is closed and the secretary evacuated as tensions following Tuesday’s election and the certification of the Electoral College vote in Washington rise.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has been evacuated from the building.
During Tuesday’s runoff election, Raffensperger and members of his office were being housed in a secure location to monitor the vote and the count.
Meanwhile, security at the Georgia Capitol has been increased and law enforcement is on heightened alert.
SKYFOX 5 flew over the Gold Dome around 3 p.m. and saw it was peaceful. Officials said they hope they can keep it that way.
Tuesday’s runoff election in Georgia appears to have favored the two Democratic challenges to represent the state in the Senate. Votes were continuing to be count as of Wednesday afternoon. If the vote holds true, it would change the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
Meanwhile, Sen. Kelly Loeffler and Georgia's 14 U.S. representatives were at Capitol Hill as protesters breached the building.
Newly elected Rep. Nikema Williams, D-Georgia 5th, tweeted that she was safe shortly after the breach began.
"I’m safe. The Capitol building is on lockdown and the House and Senate are in recess."
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Georgia 11th, urged for calm in a tweet.
"Violence against our brave law enforcement is not in line with our values as freedom-loving Americans. I strongly support our rights to peacefully protest, but strongly condemn any acts of violence against our brave officers of the Capitol Police or others."
Newly elected Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia 14th, echoed Loudermilk in a video message tweeted out calling for calm, reassuring protesters she was in the chambers to fight for them.
Reports from Capitol Hill suggest all lawmakers were safely evacuated, but there are reports that at least one of the armed protesters were shot inside the building.
Back in Georgia, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp called the protesters' action "absolutely disgraceful."
"This is absolutely disgraceful, un-American, and must stop immediately. The rule of law matters."
Georgia Election Implementation Manager Gabriel Sterling, a Republican, tweeted a hopeful message for when the dust settles.
"Today will end up being a great day for Democracy. It will show its resilience as these actions inspired by the President will be held back. But those who are part of it need to be held accountable."
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