Supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the US Capitol Hill, according to police officers, as lawmakers count the Electoral College votes certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win.
Hundreds of pro-Trump protesters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol, where they tussled with officers in full riot gear, some calling the officers “traitors” for doing their jobs.
About 90 minutes later, police said demonstrators got into the building and the doors to the House and Senate were being locked.
Videos from inside the Capitol showed Trump supporters marching through the building. The US Capitol Police has since asked for additional law enforcement for assistance, including federal authorities.
Capitol Police sent orders for Congressional staff to leave the Cannon building and other large offices after Trump called on his followers to protest the certification of Joe Biden’s election victory inside the legislature.
Representative Nancy Mace in a tweet said;
Just evacuated my office in Cannon due to a nearby threat. Now we’re seeing protesters assaulting Capitol Police. This is wrong. This is not who we are. I’m heartbroken for our nation today.
The clash kicked off after Trump told supporters that he would never concede the 2020 presidential election to President-elect Joe Biden.
See some photos and videos below;
BREAKING: Trump supporters have breached the Capitol building, tearing down 4 layers of security fencing and are attempting to occupy the building — fighting federal police who are overrun
This is the craziest thing I’ve ever seen in my life. Thousands, police can’t stop them pic.twitter.com/VVdTUwV5YN
— ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) January 6, 2021
MAGA protesters are spraying pepper spray back at police on Capitol Hill pic.twitter.com/9TeqRefjZq
— Tyler Kingkade (@tylerkingkade) January 6, 2021
2:35pm: “We are watching an attempt at sedition. We are watching an attempt at a bloodless coup in the U.S. Trump supporters stopping the constitutional process, the counting of electors. The mayor has invoked a 6pm curfew. More police reinforcements are coming to Capitol Hill.” pic.twitter.com/W4gO1ooc0M
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) January 6, 2021
