The crowds of rioters, who were dispersed by Arizona State Troopers using tear gas, brought a "direct threat" to the Senate, which was in session at the time, and prompted occupants of the building to seek cover, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said Saturday. The rioters split off from a group of an estimated 7,000 to 8,000 people who marched from the complex in Phoenix to protest over the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade and ending the nearly 50-year nationwide right to an abortion.
"What began as a peaceful protest evolved into anarchical and criminal actions by masses of splinter groups. As groups realized the state legislature was in session, they attempted to breach the doors of the Arizona Senate and force their way into the building," DPS said in a statement with preliminary information. "The violence of their efforts literally shook the building and terrified citizens and lawmakers who occupied the building. As the glass doors bowed from attempts of forced entry, the occupants of the building were instructed to move to secure locations."
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Videos shared on social media showed scenes from those wild moments. Among them was a video showing the moment that the Senate, which was in session, was cleared by President Karen Fann, citing a "security situation."
Individual lawmakers shared their accounts of those chaotic moments. One spoke of putting together a committee to investigate.
"We are currently there being held hostage inside the Senate building due to members of the public trying to breach our security. 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," tweeted state Sen. Kelly Townsend (R-AZ).
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A statement from the Senate Republicans said people inside the building were able to return to the Senate chambers once the premises were secured, but noted, Unfortunately, the system that circulates the air through the facility pulled some of the smoke or tear gas into the Senate chambers, making the air quality unhealthy for anyone to return," and therefore the proceedings were moved to another room.
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"We are incredibly thankful for our local law enforcement who quickly intervened during what could have been a destructive and dangerous situation for our members, staff and public inside the Senate," Fann, a Republican, said. "Violence is never the answer, and we will not camouflage what was a blatant attempt at an insurrection as a 'rally' or 'peaceful protest.' We are calling on all state lawmakers to condemn these acts. There is a way to make your voice heard and violence is never the answer."
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