Pro-Trump protesters have stormed the US Capitol building, effectively halting a vote to certify the results of the 2020 election. The Capitol is currently on lockdown, and multiple adjacent buildings have been evacuated. Vice President Mike Pence and Senate president pro tempore Chuck Grassley have also been evacuated, and tear gas has reportedly been deployed in the rotunda in an effort to secure the building.
Information from within the building remains uneven, but it appears the mob has also breached certain congressional offices and the main Senate floor. There have also been reports of gunfire within the chambers.
Protesters gathered this week for an extended rally protesting efforts to certify the electoral college results for the 2020 election. President Trump spoke at the rally earlier today, encouraging attendees to resist congressional proceedings.
“All of us here today do not want to see our election victory stolen by emboldened radical left Democrats which is what they are doing,” Trump told the crowd. “That’s what they’ve done and what they’re doing. We will never give up, we will never concede.”
After protesters stormed the Capitol, Trump tweeted out a more conciliatory message: “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!”
Aside from its political implications, the incident represents a catastrophic and unprecedented breach in congressional security. Typically, visitors to the US Capitol are extensively screened by capitol police for weapons and other potentially dangerous materials. The breakdown in security means none of the protesters have been through such screening, and it’s unclear whether any are armed.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has declared a citywide curfew from 6pm tonight until 6am Thursday morning.
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