US Capitol hill siege: Trump’s supporters storms senate, one shot

The US Capitol had to be locked down Wednesday with lawmakers inside as violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and the police. The US House of Representatives and Senate had met in a rare joint session to begin considering the certification of Electoral College results, that show Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump.

Trump, who continues to insist he will not concede, had said at a rally of his supports on Wednesday afternoon in Washington, “We will never give up.”

Hours later, according to the Associated Press, 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 the police could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back, even as the crowd shouted, “traitors”.  A suspicious package was also reported in the area Capitol Police.

The violence soon moved inside the Capitol building, with reports of firing at the premises.

As the clashes broke out, Trump appealed for peace. “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!” he tweeted.

President-elect Joe Biden calls protest on Capitol Hill “an assault on the citadel of liberty” and “rule of law”. He further added that at this hour American democracy is under unprecedented assault, unlike anything we have seen in modern times.

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  • The Senate stopped its proceedings with Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) interrupted by an aide who said protesters were in the building. The House doors also were closed. In a notification, U.S. Capitol Police said no entry or exit is permitted in the buildings within the Capitol Complex. “Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover,” police said.
  • A person was shot inside the U.S. Capitol after the mob breached the building, according to two people with knowledge of the incident. The circumstances were not immediately clear. One of those people said the person shot was receiving emergency care.
  • The entire D.C. National Guard will be activated within hours. The rapid expansion of military involvement came after D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser requested that guardsmen already on duty be sent to the Capitol, said a defense official and a District official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
  • Bowser (D) imposed a citywide curfew as a chaotic scene worsened at the U.S. Capitol building. From 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, Bowser said no one other than essential personnel would be allowed outdoors in the city.

Videos of the clash from Capitol Hill:

Report based on inputs from International Press Agencies.

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