The U.S. Capitol was secured hours after a group of Trump supporters on January 6 breached the building, causing the building to go into a lockdown and forcing lawmakers, staff and reporters to evacuate. DC police confirmed that one woman who was shot by U.S. Capitol Police during the ensuing violence had died. At least three others died in “medical emergencies” near the Capitol grounds, police said. At least 47 people were arrested for curfew-related violations and several weapons, including long guns and hand guns, were recovered. Officials also said that two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee.
Events leading to the Breach:
Protesters walked through the Capitol Statuary Hall, which separates the House and Senate, filling into both sides with U.S. flags, MAGA flags and Trump 2020 flags.
Just after 2:30 p.m. (local time) reporters were advised to “be prepared to get down” in their chairs and relocate.
Members of the US Congress bolted the door and Capitol police drew their guns and pointed them at the door.
At 2:31 p.m., everyone was evacuated from the floor. Police ushered everyone toward the Longworth House Office Building.
Around 3 p.m. (local time) protestors broke through federal barriers and police, and stormed the Capitol building.
Trump urged his supporters “to go home” in a video roughly two hours after the incident began, adding: “We love you. You’re very special. … I know how you feel. But go home, and go home in peace.” He repeated his claims that the election was stolen from him.
The situation now:
The Senate and House have now reconvened to finish certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win, although some Republican senators are placing objections on confirming the Electoral College results. Earlier, President Donald Trump had called on Vice President Mike Pence to reject the Electoral College votes. However, the VP defied the President and said that he doesn’t have the power to unilaterally reject the Electoral College votes.
Earlier on Wednesday, senators, House members and members of the media were evacuated to undisclosed locations following the breach. VP Pence was evacuated from the Senate chamber around 2 p.m. and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi connected with her caucus from a secure location. Pelosi said in a statement after the besiegers left the building that Congress will work through the night to finish certifying Biden’s Electoral College victory after Trump supporters’ entry into the building prevented lawmakers from certifying the vote earlier Wednesday.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a citywide curfew in response to the incident from 6 p.m. on Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday, local time. The National Guard was activated, and SWAT teams were deployed by the FBI into the Capitol, following evacuations. The public emergency declared earlier Wednesday has been extended by 15 days in response to the violence.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam also ordered a curfew in the D.C. suburbs of Alexandria and Arlington County from 6 p.m. on Jan. 6 to 6 a.m. on Jan. 7, local time. He said earlier Wednesday that he would send members of the Virginia National Guard in response to the incident, as well as 200 state troopers.