:strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/d1vhqlrjc8h82r.cloudfront.net/01-07-2021/t_d6fc1aed413e4f48b49002dabf392a55_name_image.jpg "Mr Nehls remembers a conversation he had with the mob invading the Capitol while helping to barricade the doors of the house")
HOUSTON – A newly installed congressman from the Houston area was praised on Wednesday for his role in efforts to stop a crowd that invaded the United States Capitol and forced a pause in counting electoral votes.
US Congressman Troy Nehls (R-Dist. 22), seen in a photo wearing a blue shirt, was on the front lines with the police inside House chambers in an attempt to keep protesters at bay just days after making your office oath.
“What is happening here now is not American,” said Nehls as the Capitol was being occupied by protesters. “This is a sacred house.”
While members of the household were evacuated to safety, Nehls stayed behind.
“Initially, I told them that this is where we need to be,” said Nehls. “I am a former Texas sheriff and I need to be with my brothers and sisters in arms here.”
Nehls was at one of the barricades used to keep the crowd out of the Chamber’s chamber, alongside policemen who had their weapons drawn. Through a broken window, Nehls said he tried to negotiate with the protesters, hoping to convince them to withdraw.
“I had my Texas mask on,” said Nehls. “They said, ‘You are from Texas and you should be with us on this.’ I said, ‘I’m fine, I’m totally Texan and I’m totally focused on the Constitution and individual and personal freedom, but for me, it’s a crime what you’re doing here today,’ ”said Nehls. .
Rep. Al Green of the United States (D-Dist. 9) was in Rayburn’s office building, just minutes from the City Hall, on his way to the Capitol, when he met the police and was instructed to take shelter immediately.
“I’m already scared enough to worry about what’s going on in my country,” said Green.
Green talked to KPRC 2 via Zoom while he was locked in his office. He said that while he believed in peaceful protests, the chaos that enveloped the Capitol was indicative of a revolt against the government.
“It could become something close to sedition,” said Green. “I am very afraid that we are getting close to this, if not there. We cannot allow this to become the norm when it comes to the transfer of power. It can be detrimental to our democracy. “
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