The U.S. Senate went into security lockdown Wednesday afternoon after pro-Trump protesters stormed the building and demanded to speak to lawmakers as other protesters scaled Capitol building walls outside and clashed with police.
The chaos brought a halt to the congressional count of states’ Electoral College votes, the final step to confirm Democrat Joe Biden’s victory.
There are confirmed reports that an individual was shot inside the Capitol, according to PBS News Hour.
Demands that President Donald Trump be fully held to account for inciting the fascist mob that rampaged through the U.S. Capitol Building proliferated Wednesday as all hell broke loose in Washington, D.C., with members of Congress and journalists forced to seek shelter as the incumbent’s supporters smashed windows and clashed with law enforcement.
“Arrest the president,” tweeted New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie. “I’m not joking. He incited a riot to try to sack the Congress and install himself in office. Our laws mean nothing if he can continue to live a free man.”
The breach of the Capitol Building by Trump supporters came after the president delivered a characteristically deranged speech near the White House, falsely claiming that the election was stolen and vowing to “never concede.”
Following the president’s remarks, his backers proceeded to march en masse to the Capitol and eventually stormed the building. After his fans began wreaking havoc, Trump tweeted, “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!”
At one point, Capitol police drew their guns as the president’s supporters attempted to break into the House chamber.
The mob of Trump supporters forced Congress to pause the process of officially certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory as the Capitol was locked down and lawmakers were ordered to seek shelter.
“Trump called on his supporters to march to U.S. Capitol,” tweeted Ari Berman of Mother Jones. “He shouldn’t just be impeached or removed from office. He should be in jail.”
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