On Wednesday (Jan. 6), the U.S. Congress held a joint session to certify the results of the Electoral College vote in each state’s presidential election. Arizona election results were the first to be challenged. As of about 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, protest crowds outside Congress entered the Capitol, disrupting the certification process, evacuating lawmakers and putting the Capitol on lockdown.
Nearby buildings were evacuated Wednesday afternoon as protest crowds entered the U.S. Capitol while Congress was in a joint session debating the first Arizona involved in an election fraud controversy.
President Trump (Trump) called for opposing violence and maintaining peace, and directed the National Guard from Virginia to rush to the capital, Washington, D.C. The National Guard from Maryland also rushed to DC.
Trump later released a video calling on protesters to go home and remain peaceful.
Trump said, “I feel your pain, we had an election and it was stolen, it was a landslide victory and everybody knows it, especially the opposing camp, but you have to go home now. We must keep the peace and maintain law and order.
Trump said, “I don’t want to see anyone get hurt, these are very tough times… It was a fraudulent election, but now you have to go home safely, we love you, you’re special, but go home, go home safely.
pic.twitter.com/Pm2PKV0Fp3
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
According to news coming out of reporters on the scene, Capitol Police just said the Capitol was breached and Capitol Police are conducting an investigation. Meanwhile, Capitol Police have just issued a new lockdown order calling for all buildings in the Capitol to be sealed off.
“You can move around the entire building, but stay away from the outside doors and windows. If you are outside, seek cover.” The lockdown order reads.
“Thank you Capitol Police for protecting the House of Representatives. Protesters have a constitutionally protected right, but I urge them to remain peaceful,” House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said on Twitter.
Here are the live updates (EST).
16:02
The Defense Department has activated the entire Washington, D.C. National Guard after the U.S. Capitol was breached.
Jonathan Hoffman, chief Pentagon spokesman, said, “The D.C. Guard has been mobilized to provide support to federal law enforcement in D.C. Acting (Defense) Secretary Miller has been in contact with congressional leadership, and White House spokesman McKennaney (McCarthy) has been working with the D.C. government. The law enforcement response will be led by the Department of Justice.”
15:57
Rep. Jason Crow (R-Texas) just updated his tweet to say he and several members of Congress have been stuck in the House chamber for a short while as protesters try to bang down the doors.
“We don’t know how we can get out, but Capitol police may be able to clear a route to get us out. We’re all protected in a safe place right now.”
15:56
Congressional Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Schumer and House Majority Leader Pelosi, issued a joint statement, “We call on President Trump to demand that all protesters leave the U.S. Capitol and Capitol Mall immediately.”
15:55
Acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf is currently on a week-long diplomatic trip to the Middle East. He condemned what is happening at the Capitol, tweeting, “Violence of any kind is unacceptable.”
“No one has the right to attack any federal institution, regardless of motive. Violent opportunists on the U.S. Capitol grounds must be held accountable. We have a proud history of resolving differences through peaceful means.” He said.
15:51
Multiple sources tell CNN that multiple officers were injured and at least one was taken to the hospital.
MSNBC says five other people, including a law enforcement officer, have been taken to the hospital in addition to the person who was shot inside the Capitol in critical condition.
15:46
Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said he spoke with President Trump about the mob that laid siege to the U.S. Capitol.
“I called him. I think we need to make a statement. Make sure we can calm everybody down. Right now, I don’t know who these people are. I haven’t received any reports.” He said.
15:45
Biden will speak in the afternoon in the face of unrest and crisis in Washington. Biden will speak at the Queen’s Theatre in his hometown of downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
A Biden aide told CNN that Biden has been watching developments in Washington, D.C., and wants to address the escalating violent protests.
He was going to say “it’s time to turn the page,” but is still considering exactly what to say.
15:44
John R Lott Jr., outside counsel for the Justice Department, tweeted: “Clearly, President Trump has said that people [involved in the violence] are responsible. We must find out what’s behind it and hold them accountable.”
15:43
A window is broken at the U.S. Capitol. Video taken at the U.S. Capitol shows a number of people breaking window panes and then climbing through the broken glass windows.
15:42
Rioters inside the Senate have been cleared. An official tells CNN they have managed to clear the rioters out of the Senate building’s wing and they are clearing them out of the east and west doors of the Capitol.
Things seem to be calming down on the Senate side. It’s uncertain what the situation is in the House of Representatives.
15:41
White House spokesman Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that the National Guard is on its way to DC as directed by President Trump and they will be with the other federal protective services.
We reiterate President Trump’s call to oppose violence and keep the peace.
15:39
The violence and vandalism at the U.S. Capitol must stop, and it must stop now. Those involved must respect law enforcement and leave the building immediately.
It is the right of every American to protest peacefully, but attacks on our Capitol will not be tolerated and (we) will prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law.
15:37
The New York Times quoted Virginia National Guard officials as saying that 200 state troopers were dispatched to Washington, D.C.
Inside the Capitol (Photo by Joseph Prezioso/ AFP)
15:36
Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas urged the rioters to “stop immediately.
Cruz said those who stormed the Capitol need to stop now. The Constitution protects peaceful protest, but violence (whether from the left or the right) is always wrong. Those who engage in violence are undermining the very thing they stand for.
A woman was shot on the upper floors of the Capitol and is in critical condition, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
The sources could not provide more details about the circumstances of the shooting.
15:30
Congressional House Minority Leader Mackenzie, speaking to the media about the Capitol breach, said, “This is not America anymore …… I am beyond saddened and disappointed in the way our country looks at this moment …… This is not the American way . This is not protected by the First Amendment. It has to stop now.”
15:26
The House and Senate leadership is safe and in an undisclosed location, people familiar with the matter said.
Another lawmaker said House members have been evacuated to a location.
The U.S. Capitol Police are working to secure the second floor of the Capitol first, and then will expand from there.
Outside the Capitol, the Metropolitan Washington Police Department continues to mass gather, however no significant action has been taken against the crowd at this time.
Inside the Capitol
15:25
Rep. Mo Brooks tweeted again to reveal the situation for members of the House, saying, “As far as I know, the evacuation of the House is complete. Everyone is safe. Evacuation was urgent but orderly. During the evacuation, loud protests were heard echoing through the halls of the Capitol. Thank goodness for the Capitol Police! As the House was evacuated, Capitol Police rushed to the area we had just left. (For now, everyone) awaits further instructions.”
15:23
House Minority Leader Mackenzie said he spoke to Trump, urging a statement to ask protesters to calm down.
15:21
Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli admonished protesters on Twitter, saying, “If you violate police orders to enter the Capitol, you must leave. There is an appropriate place to address grievances. But this is not the place to settle.”
15:19
Trump tweeted again, “I ask everyone in the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, we are the party of law and order – respect the law and the fine men and women in our police force. Thank you!”
15:16
House members are receiving gas masks under their seats, according to a reporter on the floor of the House.
“Rules Committee Chairman McGovern (R-Ariz.) is telling members that there is tear gas in the rotunda, grab the masks under the seats and get ready to put them on. Everyone was freaking out. Members were reaching for their gas masks.” The reporter said.
Everyone in the House chamber was told to move to the checkroom.
The journalist said there were about 100 people inside the House chamber.
15:15
MSNBC is reporting that a stretcher has brought out a person, who appears to be a protester, with serious injuries.
15:10
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Texas), who is preparing to challenge the election results, tweeted, “These actions by protesters at the U.S. Capitol are despicable and unacceptable. Although I am safe and have found sanctuary, these protests make it impossible to meet our constitutional obligations. I condemn them in the strongest possible terms. We are a nation of laws.”
15:00
White House security posture escalated. White House staff and reporters are allowed in and out, but uniformed Secret Service officers with assault rifles are now patrolling the grounds.
In addition, Marines were on guard outside the West Wing after President Trump returned to the White House from an earlier rally. Marines later entered inside, indicating that Trump is not currently in the Oval Office.
An armed standoff occurred at the front door of the House of Representatives, where police pulled guns on people trying to reach the front door.
Hejinli, who was in Congress this afternoon for Electoral College vote certification, is also currently safe, but declined to vote on where she is now, a Hejinli aide said.
Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Texas), who is involved in the challenge to the election, tweeted, “The professionalism of the Capitol Police is amazing and I sincerely thank them for their work and condemn all illegal activity.”
14:53
Mayor Bowser issued a citywide curfew Wednesday from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. Thursday (Jan. 7), with the exception of essential staff, including medical personnel and media personnel.
Federal and local law enforcement are responding to reports of possible pipe bombs at multiple locations in Washington, DC.
It is unclear whether the devices are real or hoaxes, but they are being treated as such.
14:52
Vice President Pence has been evacuated from the U.S. Capitol. Electoral College certification voting has been suspended after protesters broke into the Capitol.
14:50
A lawmaker confirms to CNN that the House of Representatives is being evacuated. According to reports, protesters who broke into the Capitol were heard banging on the doors of the House floor.
14:46
Jan Jekielek, a reporter on the scene for The Epoch Times, confirms that some members of the media were also evacuated and that the evacuation order appears to have ended as of 1:55 p.m.
Reporters saw what appeared to be supporters of President Trump (Trump) and others marching toward the Capitol, storming the barricades.
Officials told Fox News that in addition to the Cannon House office building, the Madison Library of Congress building was also evacuated.
The right-wing group “Proud Boys” said on the social media site Parler that “patriots are storming the Capitol” and posted a video from inside the Capitol.
14:38
President Trump tweeted, “Please support our Capitol Police and law enforcement, they are truly on our country’s side, please keep the peace!”
14:35
Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) tweeted, “Tear gas is scattered in the Capitol rotunda.
Members of Congress ordered to grab their gas masks under their chairs for a quick getaway!”
14:10
Senator Cruz, for his part, said American democracy is in crisis. He said that both parties should be more aware that “democracy is in crisis.
Cruz also said he wanted to say to those Republicans who were planning to vote against challenging the Arizona election results, “I understand your concerns, but I urge you to stop and think about what it means to the nearly half of the country that believes this election was rigged if we vote without considering the allegations of illegality and fraud in this election. I believe there is a better way, and the leaders have just talked about putting the election on hold. Let me be clear, I’m not advocating that this election be set aside.”
Cruz also reminded colleagues that if you vote against challenging the election results, then tens of millions of Americans will see voting against it as a statement “that voter fraud doesn’t matter, isn’t real and shouldn’t be taken seriously.”
“I believe that would jeopardize the legitimacy of this election and subsequent elections.” Cruz said.
14:05
Trump 33 minutes ago – Mike Pence doesn’t have the courage to do what should be done to protect our country and our Constitution and give states a chance to certify corrected facts instead of fraudulent or inaccurate results that were previously required to be certified. America demands the truth!
14:00
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said those lawmakers who oppose the Electoral College vote are a “minority” and will lose.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in his opening remarks to the Senate debate on the Arizona election results that today’s vote will be his “most important election ever.
This will be the most important vote I’ve ever taken,” he said. President Trump claimed the election was stolen. These claims range from specific local allegations to constitutional arguments to generalized conspiracy theories.”
A number of senators will participate in the debate next.
13:45
The first controversial state to be challenged is Arizona. Rep. Paul Gosar, a federal Republican from that state, is dissenting from his state’s electoral vote results. Also joining the challenge to the state’s general election results are about 60 House members and one senator. Several lawmakers applauded Gosar after he filed his dissent.
The senator who filed the challenge is Ted Cruz (R-Texas). Cruz said if we vote without considering the illegality and fraud in the election, it means something to the nearly half of the country that believes this election was rigged.
Given that at least one member of the House and Senate each challenged the results of Arizona’s general election, the Senate president, Vice President Pence, who presided over the joint session, said their objections were in accordance with the law and therefore declared a debate between members of each chamber.
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