DENVER (AP) — Several hundred flag-waving supporters of President Donald Trump rallied peacefully Wednesday at the Colorado state capitol to protest Congress’ expected certification of Electoral College votes confirming Joe Biden's presidential win.

The Denver protest was one of many across the U.S. echoing unproven claims of widespread fraud in the presidential election. But the scene in Denver was in stark contrast to the chaos that engulfed the nation's Capital.

Members of the extremist group known as the Proud Boys drew cheers and praise as they walked onto the Capitol grounds. Speakers railed against Republican lawmakers supporting certification while others quoted Bible verses and gathered in prayer.

In Colorado, Greg Lopez, a former mayor of Parker and gubernatorial candidate, implored protestors to channel their outrage by supporting candidates financially and through grassroots campaigns. “We are not going to storm the Capitol. That is not us," Lopez said.

“We formed because the current Republican Party is worthless,” said Casper Stockham, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully in several congressional district races. Stockham also criticized U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, the Colorado GOP chair who urged fellow party members not to interfere with the certification process.

Citing the events in Washington and an abundance of caution, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said he had instructed city agencies to close early Wednesday.

Colorado elected officials from both parties condemned the Washington violence, among them Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, who was briefly trapped with others in the U.S. House chambers. Buck, for his part, issued a rare joint statement with Democratic Gov. Jared Polis urging citizens to "step up to protect the institutions of our republic, free and fair elections, and the rule of law.”