Trump supporters storm US Capitol, clash with police

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wed. Jan 6, 2021 at the Capital in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President Elect Biden’s victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Trump and his claims of election fraud. AP Photo/Julio Cortez

By Ben Fox, Ashraf Khalil and Michael Balsamo,

The Associated Press,

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wed. Jan 6, 2021 at the Capital in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President Elect Biden’s victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Trump and his claims of election fraud. AP Photo/Julio Cortez

Protesters supporting President Donald Trump violently clashed with law enforcement Wednesday, sending the U.S. Capitol into chaos, locking the building down and halting the vote to certify Joe Biden’s presidential victory.

Dozens of people breached security perimeters at the Capitol and lawmakers inside the House chamber were told to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.

A chaplain prayed as police guarded the doors to the chamber and lawmakers tried to gather information about what was happening.

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.

Both chambers abruptly went into recess. The District of Columbia’s Mayor, Muriel Bowser, issued a curfew for 6 p.m.

The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where president-elect 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.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*