Protesters force Capitol lockdown
US: The US Capitol was in lockdown last night after protesters breached barricades amid violent clashes between President Donald Trump’s supporters and Washington DC police.
Both chambers of Congress recessed as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.
THE US Capitol was in lockdown after protesters breached barricades amid violent clashes between President Donald Trump’s supporters and Washington DC police.
Both chambers of Congress abruptly recessed as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.
There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and debate was suspended.
A representative from the Capitol
police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told politicians to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.
An announcement was played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Biden’s victory.
Due to an “external security threat,” no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said.
The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where presidentelect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.
Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol’s steps and were met by officers in riot gear.
Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. Some in the crowd were shouting “traitors” as officers tried to keep them back.
A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol Police said.
The skirmishes came just shortly after President Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House on Wednesday ahead of Congress’s vote.
“We will not let them silence your voices,” Mr Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.
Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid the skirmishes.
Law enforcement instructed politicians to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes.
After seemingly egging on the protests, President Trump tweeted to his supporters to “stay peaceful” as they violently clashed with police and breached the Capitol building.
Mr Trump was expected to address his supporters later during a rally on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, following speeches by his sons Eric and Donald Jr.
Lou Murray, a life insurance salesman from Boston, said he and many others still hoped Congress and Vice President Mike Pence would not certify the vote.
“I hope Vice President Pence has courage today, and I hope any politician who thinks he has a future shows courage to stand up and do what’s right,” Mr Murray said.
About an hour before Mr Trump was set to speak, there were huge queues at security checkpoints near the White House. At the Lincoln Memorial, dozens of Trump supporters stood on the steps with large Trump flags.
Nirav Peterson, who flew in from Seattle, said there would be a groundswell of anger and activism if Mr Trump does not serve another term and said Republicans who do not back him should face primary challenges.
People are angry. This isn’t going to go away. Nirav Peterson, who flew in from Seattle to attend the protest rally.