Two Catholic members of US Congress reflect on attack, work ahead Assault on US Capitol was a threat not just to this space, but to the idea of America, a congressman said Updated: January 12, 2021 05:49 AM GMT Trending A demonstrator, who wished to remain anonymous, holds a US National flag as the Washington National Guard, State Patrol and a fence surround the state Capitol as the Legislature opens the 2021 session in Olympia, Washington on January 11, 2021. (Photo: Jason Redmond / AFP) Seeing the U.S. Capitol building being stormed by a rioting mob on Jan. 6 brought a visceral reaction from Congressman Jeff Fortenberry, a Republican from Nebraska. Fortenberry, who is Catholic and often attends daily Mass at St. Peter's Church on Capitol Hill called the attack a "desecration."