Source: OLIVIER DOULIERY / Getty
Thousands of President Trump’s supporters in Washington, D.C. breached security at the U.S. capitol on Wednesday.
This happened at the same time a joint session of Congress had adjourned to debate Arizona’s Electoral College votes in their respective chambers.
Many of those in attendance were protesting the official count to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. Following the lead of President Trump, who has falsely asserted that the presidential election was stolen from him. Trump appeared at a large rally before those supporters on the National Mall around noon ET. The crowd made their way to the capitol shortly after hearing the president’s speech about an hour later.
According to the Washington Post, “Throngs of protesters pushed past police who were trying to block them from entering the building as senators inside debated the certification of the presidential election. Some were able to breach security to successfully enter the building.”
Congress was called into recess after police came in contact with protesters outside the capitol and were told to shelter in place. CNN reported members of the House of Representatives given gas masks as an armed standoff was reportedly happening at the door of the House floor.
Police have asked for additional law enforcement assistance as more protesters flood into the capitol. Washington, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser issued a 6 p.m. curfew for the district.
This story is developing.
BREAKING: Trump protesters storm U.S. Capitol during Electoral College certification was originally published on wbt.com
