US Congress in turmoil as violent Trump supporters breach building
WASHINGTON, January 7, 2021
Violent supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the Capitol in Washington, as lawmakers met to confirm President-elect Joe Biden's poll win, reported BBC.
In dramatic scenes, demonstrators swarmed the building as Congress members were escorted out by police.
Biden said it was an "insurrection", and Trump released a video message asking supporters to go home. The joint session of Congress certifying Biden's win has been suspended and forced into recess.
There are reports of guns drawn in the building and at least one person shot. A woman was reported to be in a critical condition and several police were injured.
There has been an armed confrontation at the doors of the House of Representatives. Tear gas has also been used.
Rioters were seen marching through the building chanting "We want Trump" and one was photographed in the Senate president's chair.
Washington police said it was clear the crowd was intent on using chemical irritants to force entry to the building.
After an occupation lasting several hours, the sergeant-at-arms - the executive office of the Senate - announced that the building had been secured by law enforcement.
But there is little sign that the protesters are obeying Trump's call to go home, despite a citywide curfew declared by the city mayor from 18:00 to 06:00 (23:00 to 11:00 GMT).
Trump recorded a video message on Twitter calling on supporters to leave the Capitol, but continuing to make unsubstantiated claims that Democrats had stolen the election.
"I know your pain, I know you're hurt," he said. "You have to go home now, we have to have peace... we don't want anybody hurt."
Biden said the demonstration "borders on sedition and it must end now". "At this hour our democracy is under unprecedented assault," he said.
Political figures across the world expressed shock. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned "disgraceful scenes" and called for a "peaceful and orderly transfer of power".
Trump's spokeswoman, Kayleigh McEnany, tweeted that the National Guard was being deployed.
Troops and police have also been mobilised in neighbouring states, and the FBI has been deployed to help Capitol police.
There are also reports of protests at state legislatures around the country.
On the steps of Capitol Hill, hundreds of loyal Trump supporters are packed closely together, as nearby armed police officers keep a watchful eye. The mood here is tense and defiant.
"We're not [expletive] Antifa!" one man screams at the police, referring to the loose coalition of "anti-fascist" activists that oppose Trump.
Trump loyalists near him wave placards that say "show us the ballots".
"All we want is for the Capitol police to stand down, and surrender the building to us," says one man to news cameras, as he is filmed by other Trump supporters.
The conviction here is that the election was stolen from President Trump, and the lawmakers inside the building should do their duty and somehow award the election to him.
