Pro-Trump Mob Breaks Into Capitol, Interrupting Congressional Certification of President-Elect Joe Biden
President Donald Trump's refusal to acknowledge his loss in the November election came to a head today, as Congress was set to certify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College victory. Mobs of pro-Trump demonstrators swarmed Capitol Hill ahead of the House and Senate's scheduled joint session at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, with some breaking past police forces to enter the building.
“Stop the steal,” the protesters chanted as they entered; they broke windows and slammed doors, quickly infiltrating legislative spaces and offices.
At about 2:15 p.m., per the New York Times, legislative procedures were halted as Vice President Mike Pence was rushed by security out of the Senate Chamber and the Capitol building was placed on lockdown, with Senators and House members staying in their chambers. Not long after, the legislators were escorted by police out of the building.
Photos have since emerged of rioters hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber, sitting in Nancy Pelosi's office, and more.
As the mob continues to siege the Capitol, the Army deployed the entire, 1,100-strong District of Columbia National Guard, responding to a request from Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington. The Mayor has also instituted a 6 p.m. curfew.
Trump has asked for protests to remain "peaceful" on Twitter, but stopped short of calling his supporters off.
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