Vice President Mike Pence says it's "a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol" as the Senate reconvenes

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says "We will not be kept out of this chamber by thugs, mobs or threats"

Former President Barack Obama says it is "a moment of great dishonor and shame for our nation"

A CBS reporter captured video of senators returning to the Capitol -- with a large escort

First Lady Melania Trump's chief of staff has resigned, effective immediately, according to CNN.

Stephanie Grisham, also a former White House communications director, was spurred by the violent protests, the outlet reported.

James Mattis rebukes President Trump over role in Capitol Hill chaos

James Mattis, Donald Trump's first Secretary of Defense, on Wednesday night joined in the chorus of rebuke over the president's role in the violent storming of the Capitol.

"Today's violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump," Mattis said in a blistering statement.

"His use of the Presidency to destroy trust in our election and to poison our respect for fellow citizens has been enabled by pseudo political leaders whose names will live in infamy as profiles in cowardice," he said.

"Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country."

Electoral College certificates are being returned to the SenateVice President Mike Pence has also returned to the Senate, his spokesman says

Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) shows how she barricaded her office door for five hours -

Former President George W. Bush called the storming of the US Capitol by supporters of President Trump an "insurrection" that was more characteristic of a "banana republic."

"It is a sickening and heartbreaking sight. This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic -- not our democratic republic," he said in a statement.

"I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions and our law enforcement. The violent assault on the Capitol - and disruption of a constitutionally mandated meeting of Congress - was undertaken by people whose passions have been inflamed by falsehoods and false hopes."

"To those who are disappointed in the results of the election: Our country is more important than the politics of the moment. Let the officials elected by their people fulfill their duties and represent our voices in peace and safety." he continued.

Congress will resume certifying the electoral vote tonight, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi says.“Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It was anointed at the highest level of government. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden,” she said in a letter to colleagues.“We always knew this responsibility would take us into the night. The night may still be long but we are hopeful for a shorter agenda, but our purpose will be accomplished.”

Twitter has removed three of President Trump's tweetsThe company later tweeted that the account has been locked until the tweets are deleted, and "will be locked for 12 hours following the removal of these Tweets"

https://twitter.com/TwitterSafety/status/1346970430062485505

Mitch McConnell wants Senate to finish electoral vote count tonight, reportSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he wanted senators to return to the chamber on Wednesday night to finish certifying the vote for the Electoral College, according to the Washington Post.An aide to McConnell told the paper that the senator is angry at Trump and blames him for the day's disastrous events.