WASHINGTON, Jan 7 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Violent supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the Capitol in Washington, as lawmakers met to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s poll win.
In dramatic scenes, demonstrators swarmed the building as Congress members were escorted out by police.
Biden said it was an “insurrection”, and Trump released a video message asking supporters to go home.
The joint session of Congress certifying Biden’s win has been suspended and forced into recess.
There are reports of guns drawn in the building and at least one person shot. A woman was reported to be in a critical condition and several police were injured.
There has been an armed confrontation at the doors of the House of Representatives. Tear gas has also been used.
Rioters were seen marching through the building chanting “We want Trump” and one was photographed in the Senate president’s chair.
Washington police said it was clear the crowd was intent on using chemical irritants to force entry to the building.
After an occupation lasting several hours, the sergeant-at-arms – the executive office of the Senate – announced that the building had been secured by law enforcement.
But there is little sign that the protesters are obeying Trump’s call to go home, despite a citywide curfew declared by the city mayor from 18:00 to 06:00 (23:00 to 11:00 GMT).
Trump recorded a video message on Twitter calling on supporters to leave the Capitol, but continuing to make unsubstantiated claims that Democrats had stolen the election.
“I know your pain, I know you’re hurt,” he said. “You have to go home now, we have to have peace… we don’t want anybody hurt.”
Biden said the demonstration “borders on sedition and it must end now”.
“At this hour our democracy is under unprecedented assault,” he said.
Political figures across the world expressed shock. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned “disgraceful scenes” and called for a “peaceful and orderly transfer of power”.
Trump’s spokeswoman, Kayleigh McEnany, tweeted that the National Guard was being deployed.
Troops and police have also been mobilised in neighbouring states, and the FBI has been deployed to help Capitol police.
There are also reports of protests at state legislatures around the country. — NNN-AGENCIES
