Video: Pro-abortion protesters try to storm Arizona state Capitol, lawmakers 'held hostage.' Kari Lake calls the event a 'real insurrection.'



A pro-abortion protest escalated into a tense situation where police had to use tear gas to disperse the mob gathered outside the Arizona state Capitol.

Hours after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade on Friday, approximately 8,000 pro-abortion protesters demonstrated outside the Capitol in downtown Phoenix, according to KTAR-FM. The protest began at 7 p.m., and featured protest signs that read: "Keep your Bible off my body," "Why are old men making laws on my body" "forced birth is fascism," "You're killing us," and "my body my rage."

\u201cmany here still chanting, \u201cabortion is a human right\u201d and \u201cmy body, my choice.\u201d Here are more pictures of signs.\u201d
— Taylor Kinnerup (@Taylor Kinnerup) 1656122772

Protesters amassed around the Arizona state Capitol on Friday night – when the state senate was in session.

Shortly before 9 p.m., law enforcement declared the pro-abortion protest an unlawful assembly.

Republican Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake shared a video of the mob outside the Capitol with the caption: "The left is showing everyone what a REAL 'Insurrection' looks like right now in Downtown Phoenix. This is domestic terrorism. The Arizona national guard should have been deployed hours ago, @DougDucey Arrest these animals immediately. They are out for blood."

Republican state Senator Michelle Ugenti-Rita shared a video of protesters slamming on the window.

\u201cThe left is showing everyone what a REAL \u201cInsurrection\u201d looks like right now in Downtown Phoenix.\n\nThis is domestic terrorism. The Arizona national guard should have been deployed hours ago, @DougDucey \n\nArrest these animals immediately. They are out for blood.\u201d
— Kari Lake for AZ Governor (@Kari Lake for AZ Governor) 1656136738
\u201cArizona State Senate\u201d
— Michelle Ugenti-RITA (@Michelle Ugenti-RITA) 1656130623

Department of Public Safety troopers used tear gas to disperse the frenzied crowd outside the Capitol.

\u201c\ud83d\udea8#BREAKING: Police fire tear gas towards pro-choice protesters in Phoenix\n\n\ud83d\udccc #Phoenix l #Arizona \n\nRight now Arizona police are in riot gear clearing out the pro-choice protesters as they Fire teargas right into the crowd straight from the Capitol windows in Phoenix Arizona\u201d
— R A W S A L E R T S (@R A W S A L E R T S) 1656130219
\u201cDPS used tear gas and people went running away from the Capitol. People coughing and now DPS is telling people to disperse. Protestors were banging on the Capitol windows \u2066\u2066@azfamily\u2069 \n\n#Phoenix\u201d
— Michael Raimondi (@Michael Raimondi) 1656128997

Department of Public Safety told AZ Family reporter Michael Raimondi, "Our troopers were in the Senate lobby in full view of the rioters as they pounded on the glass. We believe they had every intention of getting inside the senate building."

"Troopers deployed gas outside the Senate building after protesters attempted to break the glass," the Arizona DPS stated. "The crowd then moved to the Wesley Bolin Plaza where some monuments were vandalized. Gas was deployed again to disburse [sic] the crowd."

Arizona state Republicans said, "Pro-abortion protestors violently tried to enter our building. Members/staff/visitors evacuated to a secure location."

\u201cAND THEN\u2026 Senate immediately bails out because of \u2018security situation.\u2019 Area outside Senate filled with people protesting Roe decision. They appear to have entered building.\u201d
— Brahm Resnik (@Brahm Resnik) 1656127677
\u201cFeeling safe at the Capitol as I sit by 3 of my fellow senators who are armed.\u201d
— Warren Petersen (@Warren Petersen) 1656133128

Arizona GOP state Senator Kelly Townsend said, "We are currently there being held hostage inside the Senate building due to members of the public trying to breach our security. We smell tear gas and the children of one of the members are in the office sobbing with fear. I expect a J24 committee to be created immediately."

Townsend later said, "Everyone is okay, and we are finishing our work."

Arizona State Republicans stated, "While the Senate is now secure & safe, unfortunately smoke/tear gas has spread into our chambers."

Senate President Karen Fann issued a statement, "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."

Kim Quintero – the Republican Caucus’ communications director – noted, "Violent pro-abortion protestors’ attempts of an insurrection at the Arizona State Senate were thwarted Friday night, thanks to the swift actions from local and state law enforcement."

There were numerous violent outbursts during pro-abortion protests in several U.S. cities on Friday night.

GOP governors vow to fight Biden's vaccine mandate 'to the gates of hell'



President Joe Biden is ushering in COVID-19 vaccine mandates for up to 100 million Americans. However, many Republican governors are vowing to fight back against the sweeping coronavirus vaccine mandate. At least 23 GOP governors denounced Biden's vaccine mandate.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis questioned the humanity of Biden's forced vaccinations.

"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice on the vaccine?" DeSantis said. "I just think that's fundamentally wrong. I do not believe that people should lose their jobs over this issue, and we will fight that."

"How could we get to the point in this country where you would not let them earn a living because of their choice o… https://t.co/EC6R95pH7A

— Christina Pushaw (@ChristinaPushaw) 1631222250.0

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the mandates are "an assault on private businesses" and pledged to "halt this power grab."

"Biden's vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses," Abbott said. "I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans' right to choose whether they get the COVID vaccine & added it to the special session agenda. Texas is already working to halt this power grab."

Biden’s vaccine mandate is an assault on private businesses.I issued an Executive Order protecting Texans’ right… https://t.co/atwY5FuQeL

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) 1631229046.0

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem told Biden, "See you in court."

South Dakota will stand up to defend freedom. @JoeBiden see you in court.

— Governor Kristi Noem (@govkristinoem) 1631218458.0

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp proclaimed, "I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration."

I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration.

— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) 1631222708.0

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said Biden's vaccine mandates are "nonsense."

"President Biden has overreached with these new mandates, and we're united in fighting back," Ivey said on Friday. "I'm partnering alongside my conservative colleagues across the country in this fight. This is a fight for businesses, our hardworking men and women, and our American liberties."

"I encourage Alabamians to take the vaccine – have been since the beginning, but we're never going to mandate it," Ivey continued. "And we certainly aren't going to allow Washington, D.C., and this president to tell Alabama what to do. Here in Alabama, we don't put up with that nonsense."

Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon said the Biden administration's "unconstitutional overreach of executive power has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."

"The Biden Administration's announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses is an egregious example of big government overreach," Gordon stated. "Our Constitution was written and fought for to protect our liberties as American citizens."

"This administration's latest pronouncement demonstrates its complete disregard for the rule of law and the freedoms individuals and private companies enjoy under our Constitution," he tweeted. "In Wyoming, we believe that government must be held in check. I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration's unconstitutional overreach of executive power. It has no place in America. Not now, and not ever."

The Biden Administration’s announcement to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations or weekly testing for private businesses i… https://t.co/4QU6gcGDd4

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226025.0


I have asked the Attorney General to stand prepared to take all actions to oppose this administration’s unconstitut… https://t.co/0MukHPAeey

— Governor Mark Gordon (@GovernorGordon) 1631226026.0

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey also accused the Biden administration of overreach.

"This is exactly the kind of big government overreach we have tried so hard to prevent in Arizona — now the Biden-Harris administration is hammering down on private businesses and individual freedoms in an unprecedented and dangerous way," Ducey explained. "This will never stand up in court."

"This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displaced? How many kids kept out of classrooms? How many businesses fined? The vaccine is and should be a choice. We must and will push back," Ducey said.

This dictatorial approach is wrong, un-American and will do far more harm than good. How many workers will be displ… https://t.co/AjtEWeqxPw

— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) 1631218792.0

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee called the mandate a "power grab."

"'This is not about freedom' is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President's mouth," Lee said, quoting Biden's speech on Thursday.

"For a fight that requires working together, a lot of cynical and divisive edicts came out of the White House today pitting the vaccinated against the unvaccinated, businesses against employees, and the federal government against states," Lee added. "The Constitution won't allow this power grab, and in the meantime, I will stand up for all Tennesseans."

“This is not about freedom” is a phrase that should never come out of a U.S. President’s mouth.

— Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) 1631230295.0


Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said his state will "stand up" and "explore all our options" with the attorney general.

"President Biden's announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government's power," Ricketts wrote. "This plan isn't about public health – this is about government control and taking away personal liberties."

"Americans, not the federal government, are responsible for taking charge of their personal health," he continued. "It is not the role of the federal government to mandate their choices. Nebraska will stand up…working with the Attorney General to explore all our options."

President Biden’s announcement is a stunning violation of personal freedom and abuse of the federal government’s po… https://t.co/Lu9gF1Tymj

— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224920.0


Nebraska will stand up to President Biden’s overreach, and we will be working with the Attorney General to explore… https://t.co/XkLIDxBSKH

— Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) 1631224922.0

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster blasted Biden for turning the American dream into a nightmare.

"The American Dream has turned into a nightmare under President Biden and the radical Democrats," McMaster exclaimed. "They have declared war against capitalism, thumbed their noses at the Constitution, and empowered our enemies abroad."

"Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian," he declared.

Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian.

— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) 1631221934.0

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said he is already discussing "options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan."

"We've reached out to the ND Attorney General to discuss options for mounting a legal challenge to President Biden's plan to impose a vaccine mandate on private businesses," Burgum said. "This gross federal overreach goes against everything I believe as a governor, business owner & American."

"The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and we will always vigorously defend states' rights," he declared.

The White House needs to be reminded that the states created the federal government, not the other way around, and… https://t.co/fit0erSIkc

— Gov. Doug Burgum (@DougBurgum) 1631289273.0

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said there will be no "government vaccine mandates" in his state.

"It is not the government's role to dictate to private businesses what to do," Stitt stated. "Once again President Biden is demonstrating his complete disregard for individual freedoms and states' rights."

"As long as I am governor, there will be no government vaccine mandates in Oklahoma," he proclaimed. "My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration's federal overreach."

My administration will continue to defend Oklahoma values and fight back against the Biden administration’s federal overreach.

— Governor Kevin Stitt (@GovStitt) 1631223360.0

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson promised to fight back against the federal government.

"Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision that should remain as such," Parson stated. "My administration will always fight back against federal power grabs and government overreach that threatens to limit our freedoms."

Vaccination protects us from serious illness, but the decision to get vaccinated is a private health care decision… https://t.co/VMFEhpCakn

— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) 1631225871.0

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine wrote, "I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of preventing virus spread - the vaccine is our best tool to stop COVID - but people and business owners should make their own decisions about vaccination."

I think the President made a mistake by announcing federal vaccine mandates. We should be focused on the science of… https://t.co/cye9KrVVLS

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) 1631291315.0

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said Biden's "unconstitutional move is terrifying."

"The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private business," Reeves said. "The vaccine itself is life-saving, but this unconstitutional move is terrifying. This is still America, and we still believe in freedom from tyrants."

The President has no authority to require that Americans inject themselves because of their employment at a private… https://t.co/8TE96tzAQX

— Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) 1631223585.0

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Americans need to do what's best for them, and Biden's order will worsen the workforce shortage.

"President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our lives while dismissing the ability of Iowans and Americans to make healthcare decisions for themselves," Reynolds declared. "Biden's plan will only worsen our workforce shortage and further limit our economic recovery."

"As I've said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families," she continued. "It's time for President Biden to do the same. Enough is enough."

President Biden is taking dangerous and unprecedented steps to insert the federal government even further into our… https://t.co/1tyXUbbycl

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222353.0


As I’ve said all along, I believe and trust in Iowans to make the best health decisions for themselves and their fa… https://t.co/7m9IhNpsU3

— Gov. Kim Reynolds (@IAGovernor) 1631222384.0

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb pushed back against Biden's vaccine mandate.

"I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that will end the pandemic," Holcome began his tweet thread. "However, I strongly believe it's not the state or federal government's role to issue a vaccine mandate upon citizens & private businesses. This is the approach our administration has taken all along."

"The announcement from President Biden is a bridge too far. Private businesses should be able to look at their own mission, their staff & their goals & make the decision best for them that will keep their doors open," he said. "I believe it is fundamentally a citizen's right to choose whether or not to get the vaccine. While I wish everyone would get the vaccine, we are a country built on this exact type of freedom."

I believe the vaccine is the no. 1 tool that will protect us & our loved ones against COVID-19. It's the tool that… https://t.co/HFINyVkE7y

— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) 1631288011.0


Idaho Gov. Brad Little issued a statement, "Today's actions from President Biden amount to government overreach. Government should stay out of decisions involving employers and their employees as much as possible. I've advocated for and championed fewer government regulations and mandates on business."

I still urge Idahoans to choose safe and effective ways to protect themselves from COVID-19 for the continued healt… https://t.co/85UVT70OTB

— Brad Little (@GovernorLittle) 1631224892.0

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte slammed the vaccine mandate, "President Biden's vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans' freedoms and liberties against this gross federal overreach."

President Biden’s vaccination mandate is unlawful and un-American. We are committed to protecting Montanans’ freedo… https://t.co/28VFvCxPwR

— Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) 1631223557.0

Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson issued a statement against the order.

"I have been consistent in the freedom of businesses to require their employees to be vaccinated, and I have opposed the government from saying businesses cannot exercise that freedom," Hutchinson noted. "The same principle should protect the private sector from government overreach that requires them to vaccinate all employees."

In response to President Biden’s Covid-19 action plan: https://t.co/550XsT704V

— Gov. Asa Hutchinson (@AsaHutchinson) 1631224198.0

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy called to remove Biden via the 25th Amendment.

"This is ridiculous and unenforceable. If there was ever a case for the 25th Amendment…," Dunleavy suggested.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox reacted by saying, "Getting vaccinated is the single most important thing people can do right now to protect ourselves and our community and reduce the spread of the Delta variant. While we support efforts that encourage vaccinations, we have serious concerns about the legality of the order."

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice stated, "I absolutely think that that is wrong. I am absolutely not in support of doing that in any way in the state of West Virginia."

Arizona Gov. Ducey signs bill aiming to prohibit critical race theory training for government employees



Amid an ongoing societal debate over the teaching of critical race theory, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill on Friday that will bar state and local governments from making employees participate in sessions that would involve any type of blame or judgement based on race, ethnicity or sex.

"When I took office, I vowed to use taxpayer dollars responsibly, and funding training on political commentary is not responsible spending," Ducey said. "I am not going to waste public dollars on lessons that imply the superiority of any race and hinder free speech. House Bill 2906 goes a long way towards protecting Arizonans against divisive and regressive lessons."

The Arizona Republican has served as the Grand Canyon State's governor for more than six years and his present term is slated to end on Jan. 1, 2023.

"The Governor today signed House Bill (HB) 2906, which prohibits the state and any local governments from requiring their employees to engage in orientation, training or therapy that suggest an employee is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously," according to a press release.

The bill would block this concept along with various other ideas that fall along similar lines, according to the text of the Arizona House engrossed version of the bill available on the state legislature's website.

The move comes after the governor also recently signed legislation that prohibits such teachings in public schools.

GOP Rep. Debbie Lesko of Arizona cheered the news:

"It's great to see that @dougducey signed legislation into law to stop Critical Race Theory from infiltrating our schools and government entities! CRT advances a distorted version of history to divide our nation and dismantle our institutions. It has no place in Arizona," she tweeted.

"The teaching of Critical Race Theory is now prohibited across all government levels and public schools in the state of Arizona! This is a HUGE win for all Arizonans. Thank you AZ Legislature for pushing this through!" tweeted House Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Biggs, another Arizona Republican lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The divisive and polarizing topic of critical race theory has become a key point of cultural contention around the country.