Wednesday proved to be a day chaos and pandemonium as supporters of President Trump rioted and breached one of America’s most recognizable buildings, the Capitol. Earlier, Trump had asked his supporters to fight against the counting of the Electoral College votes that would confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Pro-Trump protesters knocked out barriers and surged towards the Capitol. They tussled with police in riot gear but managed to get in, in about 90 minutes. The Senate and House doors were locked. Members including the Vice President Mike Pence were taken away to safety.
An armed standoff took place till about 3 p.m. Three men and one woman were killed during the rioting.Multiple sources confirmed that many officers were injured and at least one was hospitalized.
Smoke grenades were used and finally the rioters were cleared from the Senate around 3.30 p.m. ET. By 9 p.m,, ET more than 52 people were arrested.
As per information from the sergeant-at-arms, the Capitol was secured around 5.40 p.m. Proceedings resumed at 8 p.m.. Pence said, “Let’s get back to work.”
Pelosi wrote about the shameful assault on democracy and said that “it cannot deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden.”
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “United States Senate will not be intimidated. We will not be kept out of this chamber by thugs, mobs or threats.”
In the early hours of Thursday morning, Congress eventually counted and certified Biden’s win.
Trump finally asked his supporters to “go home.” He added, “We love you. You are very special.”
Muriel Bowser, the mayor Washington announced a citywide curfew on Wednesday from 6 p.m. ET to 6 a.m. ET on Thursday.
Image Credit Twitter AJC
