Austin politicians disavow Trump supporters who stormed the U.S. Capitol, prompting a lockdown

U.S. congresspeople representing the Austin area and state of Texas disavowed the violent mob of Trump supporters that stormed the U.S. Capitol early Wednesday afternoon, prompting a lockdown.

In the wake of the Georgia special election on Tuesday, which will likely flip the U.S. Senate, Congress was scheduled to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's win in a joint session on Wednesday afternoon. Vice President Mike Pence issued a statement shortly before the session began at 1 p.m., saying that he did not have the power to discard electoral votes in favor of Biden.

Within the hour, however, Trump supporters outside of the Capitol began fighting with Capitol police. They then broke into the building and into its chambers, delaying the congressional proceedings.

Around mid-afternoon, the Texas Department of Public Safety closed the state Capitol and its grounds in response to what is happening at the U.S. Capitol, according to local reports.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, a Democrat who represents a district stretching from Austin to San Antonio, tweeted an update shortly after 2 p.m., disavowing the president.

Doggett was joined by his Republican colleagues U.S. Reps. Roger Williams, Michael McCaul, John Carter and Chip Roy, who also represent districts including portions of Central Texas.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who represents the state of Texas, also commented on the afternoon's events, prompting criticism for his objection to the counting of Arizona's electoral votes because of baseless allegations of widespread voter fraud during the Nov. 3 general election.

President Donald Trump initially encouraged protesters but later told his supporters at the Capitol to "remain peaceful" in a tweet.

Reports show protesters roaming the halls of the Capitol and waving Confederate flags. Journalists, congresspeople and Capitol staff have been photographed hiding behind blockaded doors and lying face down on the ground while armed Capitol security guard them.

Hundreds of Trump supporters gathered at the Texas Capitol on Wednesday morning in solidarity with the D.C. protests and similar events across the country.