1 shot dead after pro-Trump mob storms Capitol, breaking windows and violently clashing with police
WASHINGTON (AP) - Both chambers of Congress abruptly recessed as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.
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.
One person died after being shot at the U.S. Capitol, FOX 5 DC confirmed, as scores of supporters of Trump stormed the building. The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. Three other people died due to medial emergencies amid the riots, according to D.C. police.
The district’s police chief said at least 30 people were arrested, and five firearms had been recovered during the protests. They added that protesters deployed ‘chemical irritants on police’ to gain access to US Capitol.
On Wednesday night, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a statement announcing that it is seeking information that would assist agents in identifying and prosecuting anyone involved in the violent riots.
"If you have witnessed unlawful violent actions, we urge you to submit any information, photos, or videos that could be relevant at fbi.gov/USCapitol," the FBI wrote.
District officials declared the Capitol "secure" nearly four hours after the pro-Trump mob disrupted the electoral count and stormed the building.
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 lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump gather on the West side of the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 6, 2021.
Shortly after, as protesters continued to breach the nation’s Capitol, 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 police skirmishes with supporters of Trump
An announcement was played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm 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 president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.
U.S. Capitol Police stand detain protesters outside of the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol Police said.
About 1,100 D.C. National Guard members were mobilized to help support law enforcement as violent supporters of Trump breached the U.S. Capitol.
Pentagon spokesperson Jonathan Hoffman said Wednesday afternoon that defense leaders have been in contact with the city and congressional leadership.
A defense official said all 1,100 of the D.C. Guard were being activated and sent to the city’s armory. The Guard forces will be used at checkpoints and for other similar duties and could also help in the enforcement of the 6 p.m. curfew being implemented tonight in the city.
The skirmishes between protesters and police came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his unfounded claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House on Wednesday ahead of Congress' joint session to count the Electoral College votes.
"We will not let them silence your voices," Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.
After egging on protesters, Trump tweeted to his supporters to "stay peaceful" as they violently clash with law enforcement and breached the Capitol building.
Shortly after, the president tweeted, "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No Violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue."
Vice President Mike Pence denounced the violent protests, calling on Trump supporters to leave the Capitol immediately.
RELATED: 'You have to go home now:' President Trump tells backers to leave Capitol building
"The violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol Must Stop and it Must Stop Now. Anyone involved must respect Law Enforcement officers and immediately leave the building," Pence tweeted.
The president’s son, Eric Trump, also tweeted about the actions of his father’s supporters.
"We are the party of Law & Order - prosecute anyone who crosses that line to the fullest extent of the law," He wrote on Twitter.
Trump released a video on Twitter shortly after 4 p.m. ET, asking protesters to leave the Capitol building.
In the video, the president maintained his false claim that the 2020 election result was fraudulent.
"You have to go home now," the president said. "Go home in peace."
A few hours after posting a video urging protesters to go home, Trump followed up with another tweet continuing to push unfounded claims of election fraud.
"These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long," Trump tweeted.
Shortly after being posted, the tweet was taken down for violating Twitter's terms of service.