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Trump protesters breach the U.S. Capitol building
U.S. president-elect Joe Biden is calling on President Donald Trump to “step up” and call off protesters storming the U.S. Capitol building.
Thousands of Trump supporters stormed the building Wednesday afternoon, overwhelming police and making their way inside.
Here’s the scary moment when protesters initially got into the building from the first floor and made their way outside Senate chamber. pic.twitter.com/CfVIBsgywK
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021
One person has been shot but the circumstances surrounding the shooting is not clear. The victim has been taken to hospital.
There are reports that officers have been injured.
Police officials say 13 arrests have been made and several firearms have been recovered.
The mayor has ordered a 6 p.m. curfew for Wednesday and Thursday.
Congressmen and congresswomen were gathered at the Capitol building to debate the certification of the 2020 U.S. election.
They were forced to seek shelter as the building was placed on lockdown, with protesters swarming the hallways.
“Our democracy is under an unprecedented assault, unlike anything we’ve seen in modern times,” said president-elect Joe Biden, speaking from Wilmington, Delaware.
“This is not dissent. It’s disorder, it’s chaos, it borders on sedition,” he said. He’s calling on President Trump to go on national television and demand that protesters leave.
Shortly after Biden’s address Trump posted a video message on Twitter, calling for protesters to go home.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Trump tweeted to his supporters to “stay peaceful” as they began clashing with police.
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Earlier Wednesday while speaking to supporters about the election at the Save America rally, Trump said “we will never concede.”
The protesters swarmed the nation’s capital as the president’s Republican allies in the House and Senate planned to object to his November election loss to Biden.
Vice-president Mike Pence also tweeted, saying “this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated.”
Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021
The White House press secretary says the National Guard has been called in. Maryland state troopers have also been requested.
At President @realDonaldTrump’s direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.
We reiterate President Trump’s call against violence and to remain peaceful.
— Kayleigh McEnany (@PressSec) January 6, 2021
