U.S. civic groups held a “Save the Republic” rally on Capitol Hill on Jan. 5.
As members of the U.S. House and Senate deliberated on the outcome of the Electoral College vote against the presidential election, protesters waving American flags in support of President Trump broke through barriers, overwhelmed police forces inside the Capitol, stormed the building, and gathered inside.
Discussions of deliberations have been put on hold and lawmakers have been evacuated. There were reports that shots were also fired inside the Capitol, but no details have been disclosed. The Epoch Times reporter Charlotte Cuthbertson reported on Twitter, “The Capitol is on lockdown.”
Multiple videos from the scene show protesters clashing with police officers guarding the outside. Flanked by some 200,000 Trump supporters near the Capitol, a large group at the front pushed through barriers and rushed past police lines. Reinforcements were seen rushing in. They reportedly fired tear gas into the crowd. But the protesting crowd still rushed inside the building, and more protesters gathered on the steps outside the building.
Video footage from inside the building shows protesters crossing the hallway. Tear gas was later seen inside the building.
Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser announced a curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 6) to 6 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 7).
The National Guard has been called to the Capitol, according to Politico magazine.
Trump called on his supporters to remain peaceful and support the Capitol Police.
He tweeted, “Please support our Capitol Police and law enforcement, they are truly on our country’s side. Keep the peace!”
Some reporters were also in the Capitol chamber.
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