West Virginia legislator livestreams himself joining mob at Capitol: report

A West Virginia state lawmaker livestreamed himself joining the pro-Trump mob at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday that descended as Congress was certifying the Electoral College vote, according to multiple reports.

GOP lawmaker Derrick Evans, who was just elected to West Virginia’s House of Delegates, livestreamed himself from inside the Capitol. The now-deleted video shows Evans wearing a helmet and clamoring at the door to breach the building, The Associated Press reported.

Evans reportedly said, “We’re in! Keep it moving, baby” in a packed doorway around other supporters, AP reports. He can also be seen milling around the Capitol Rotunda and yelled “No vandalizing!”

The lawmaker later said on Facebook that he was “simply there as an independent member of the media to film history,” according to a local ABC affiliate.

“I want to thank everyone for their prayers today,” Evans said. He added that he had no negative interactions with law enforcement, and did not participate in the damage that occurred.

The Hill has reached out to Evans for comment.

Thousands of people raided the Capitol, forcing Congress to halt certification of the electoral vote and prompting lawmakers, staff and press to evacuate for safety. Protesters swarmed the House and Senate chambers, and even vandalized the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).

One woman died after she was shot as she trying to enter the Capitol with a group of rioters.

West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw (R) said in a statement that he was aware of the videos, but didn’t know the specifics of his involvement.

“He will need to answer to his constituents and colleagues regarding his involvement in what has occurred today,” Hanshaw said.

Despite the violence, Congress resumed the vote certification process shortly after 8 p.m.