Carr Among Those Condemning Capitol Violence; He Says Biden Next President

Commissioner Brendan Carr, among those in the communications sector condemning an outbreak of violence Wednesday afternoon in the Capitol, became one of the first FCC Republicans to say he believes Joe Biden is the next president. In an interview, Carr agreed with the statement that President-elect Biden will take office Jan. 20.

Chairman Ajit Pai said Tuesday that "we will soon hand the baton to a new administration. They will have to decide the approach that they are going to take to addressing the security of our communications networks. And I hope that they succeed. On this issue, their success will be our nation’s success." An FCC spokesperson Wednesday referred us to these remarks, when asked if Pai acknowledges that Biden takes office later this month.

The third GOP FCC member, Nathan Simington, wasn't commenting now. Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel tweeted it was "such a sad day" and she was "praying for everyone's safety." Her office didn't answer our other questions. Democratic Commissioner Geoffrey Starks didn't comment.

"We must be governed by the rule of law, not the rule of the mob," Pai tweeted Wednesday. "Law and order must be restored and democracy must be respected." Carr and others at the FCC had similar tweets. Pai's representative said the chairman was specifically referring to the Capitol being stormed.

In the area around the Capitol, starting at around 2:30 p.m. EST, we heard and saw an abundance of emergency vehicles. Inside the building, some reporters, including one of our own, were trying to stay safely away from any protesters intent on violence. In the area where our journalist is currently sheltering in the Capitol, a Capitol Police officer came by to offer escorts to anyone wanting to decamp to the Cannon House office building. The police didn't immediately answer our media query.

Meanwhile, U.S. District Court in Washington told us all employees teleworked Wednesday as a precaution and will again Thursday. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is doing likewise.