Tennessee lawmakers called for peace this afternoon after protests broke out at the U.S. Capitol.

The building was locked down as a clash started  between President Donald Trump supporters and police. Lawmakers were meeting and were expected to declare Joe Biden’s victory.

Governor Bill Lee denounced the violent protests and called the situation “inexcusable.”

“The violence happening in our nation’s capital is inexcusable and an affront to our founding principles and freedoms,” Lee tweeted. “I stand with our Tennessee delegation that order must be restored immediately and thank law enforcement for their professionalism.”

Senator Bill Hagerty also reacted to the protests:

“I have always believed in peaceful protesting. What is happening at the U.S. Capitol right now is not peaceful, this is violence. I condemn it in the strongest terms. We are a nation of laws and this must stop.”

Tennessee Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton stated the protests were not a peaceful assembly:

“Peaceful assembly is a founding principle of our republic. Just like the events in Nashville last May, what is happening in Washington right now is chaos, it is violence, and it must stop. Those who are defying our laws must be held accountable for their despicable actions.”

As of 3:30 p.m. central, the National Guard has been called to the U.S. Capitol to assist.

This is a developing news story.