Protesters Storm US Capitol, Pence Removed From Senate
What appeared to be thousands of President Donald Trump’s supporters descended on Washington, D.C., as Congress met to fulfill its Constitutional duty to formally certify the Electoral College vote count. As the…
What appeared to be thousands of President Donald Trump’s supporters descended on Washington, D.C., as Congress met to fulfill its Constitutional duty to formally certify the Electoral College vote count.
As the proceedings got underway on Wednesday, videos quickly surfaced of protesters breaching barricades outside the U.S. Capitol.
Fox News’ Chad Pergram reported that the Capitol was placed on lockdown as protesters stormed the building.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) has reportedly asked the National Guard to be deployed to the Capitol to clear the protesters.
Additionally, it was reported that a message was broadcast in the Capitol that instructed lawmakers and staffers to “lock all doors if able” and “if unable, seek shelter or concealment.”
Vice President Mike Pence was reportedly removed from the Senate chamber as protesters entered the building. The upper chamber adjourned. The House has also adjourned its session.
Check out some of the footage below:
House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) tweeted about the protests, “United States Capitol Police saved my life. Attacks on law enforcement officers trying to do their jobs are never acceptable. Period.”
“We can passionately protest without being violent,” he added.
Newly sworn-in Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) shared a video protesters clashing with police officers and wrote, “Just evacuated my office in Cannon due to a nearby threat. Now we’re seeing protesters assaulting Capitol Police.”
“This is wrong. This is not who we are. I’m heartbroken for our nation today,” she added.
Trump weighed in on Twitter, writing, “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!”
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser has also imposed a 6 p.m. EST curfew that is effective until 6 a.m. EST on Thursday.