Arizona Senator Kelly Townsend said abortion protesters are holding her and other lawmakers “hostage” inside the Capitol building in Phoenix.
“We are currently there being held hostage inside the Senate building due to members of the public trying to breach our security,” Townsend tweeted Friday night. “We smell teargas and the children of one of the members are in the office sobbing with fear.”
“I expect a J24 committee to be created immediately,” she added in the tweet.
Another lawmaker confirmed the use of tear gas outside of the building.
— Leenie da Meanie (@keepAZsafe) June 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/brahmresnik/status/1540542633977622528?s=20&t=huYQlQgzLcmF9p6xE88h3A
The situation outside the Arizona Capitol building in Phoenix remains “very dangerous” despite an effort by law enforcement officers to disperse the crowd of protesters, a lawmaker says..
“Protesters threatened to break the AZ Senate entryway glass,” Arizona state senator Wendy Rodgers said.
“Crowd was dispersed with tear gas,” the lawmaker added, noting the protests were still continuing. “We are headed to a secure room to go vote.”
“Sergeant at Arms says the mob is spray painting monuments and lighting fires,” Rodgers also said. “Very dangerous outside.”