Police in the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday responded with drawn guns and tear gas on Wednesday as swarms of protesters stormed in and sought to force Congress to undo President Donald Trump’s election loss shortly after some of Trump’s fellow Republicans launched a last-ditch effort to throw out the results, APA reports citing Reuters.
Police evacuated the House of Representatives and the Senate after pro-Trump protesters marched through the halls of Congress, forcing both chambers to suspend deliberations as they were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in the Nov. 3 election.
One protester occupied the Senate dais and yelled, “Trump won that election.”
Video showed police deploying tear gas inside the building.
The chaotic scenes unfolded after Trump, due to leave office on Jan. 20, addressed thousands of protesters, repeating false claims that the election was stolen from him due to widespread election fraud and irregularities. Lawmakers had been debating a last-ditch effort by pro-Trump lawmakers to challenge the results, an effort that was unlikely to succeed.
Vice President Mike Pence, who had presided over the joint session of Congress, had already been escorted from the Senate.
Capitol Police told lawmakers in the House chamber to take gas masks from beneath their seats and prepare to put them on. Officers at the front door of the House chamber had their guns drawn as someone attempted to enter the chamber.
Officers ordered people in the chamber to drop to the floor for their safety.
Election officials of both parties and independent observers have said there was no significant fraud in the Nov. 3 contest, which Biden won by more than 7 million votes in the national popular vote.
***00:10
Chaos has broken out within the US Capitol as pro-Trump supporters break into the building, APA reports citing BBC.
The ongoing special House and Senate sessions have been recessed amid the escalating clashes between protesters and police.
Lawmakers had gathered to confirm the election of Democratic President-elect Joe Biden - an outcome rejected by protesters.
Photos show demonstrators gathered just outside the Senate chamber. Other images show demonstrators carrying firearms.
***22:10
The Democratic Party of US President-elect Joe Biden is on the verge of taking control of the Senate as results come in from two elections in Georgia, APA reports citing BBC.
Pastor Raphael Warnock is projected to win one seat. Fellow Democrat Jon Ossoff leads narrowly in the other.
If they both win, Mr Biden will have a much better chance of pushing through his legislative agenda.
It comes as US lawmakers prepare to confirm Mr Biden's presidential election victory.
A joint session of Congress is being held to count and confirm electoral college votes, but some Republicans are seeking to overturn the results in a number of states.
The bid is almost certain to fail. However, both houses of Congress may have to spend hours debating their objections.
And supporters of President Donald Trump are holding a "Save America Rally" in Washington DC.
Mr Trump told the crowds he would "never concede" the 3 November election. He has repeatedly alleged electoral fraud without providing evidence.
He blasted Republicans who plan to vote to certify Mr Biden's victory as "weak".
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