Pro-Trump rioters breach US Capitol and force lawmakers to evacuate

Jan 6 2021, 9:36 pm

A group of violent Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in Washington, DC, where lawmakers inside were conducting a vote count to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s win on Wednesday afternoon.

The lawmakers had to be evacuated, forcing a delay in the ceremonial process cementing Biden’s victory.

There were violent clashes between members of the mob and police, and images have emerged on social media of at least one armed standoff inside the government building.

Biden spoke just after 4 pm ET, saying he was “shocked and saddened” by the events. He urged citizens of the nation to practice cooperation and unity.

“Democracy is fragile, and to preserve it requires people of goodwill,” he said. “Leaders with the courage to stand up who are devoted not to the pursuit of power, and their own self interest, but to the common good.”

Biden asked for calm in the US Capital and asked president Donald Trump to “fulfill his oath, defend the constitution, and demand an end to this siege.”

As he walked away from the microphone, Biden could be heard saying “enough is enough is enough.”

While violence erupted on the ground, the term “Civil War” trended on Twitter as people around the world watched the scene unfold.

Trump, who reportedly encouraged supporters to go to Washington for the vote count, asked everyone to “remain peaceful” on Twitter. He later posted a video asking his supporters to go home.

Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, DC, imposed a 6 pm curfew and asked residents to avoid the downtown area and not to provoke rioters.

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