The U.S. Capitol was put on lockdown on Wednesday, January 6, after demonstrators stormed the building to stop Congress from debating election results.
On Wednesday, January 6, the U.S. Capitol was put on lockdown with representatives inside after a group of Trump-supporting demonstrators stormed the building to stop Congress from ratifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win.
Earlier on Wednesday, protestors gathered outside the Capitol to dispute the recent election results and a group of demonstrators managed to surpass security. breaking into the building forcing Congress and halting all Congress activities.
According to the Washington Post, the Senate “stopped its proceedings with Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) interrupted by an aide who said demonstrators were in the building.” The House was also closed and U.S. Capitol Police issued a no entry or exit order for all Capitol buildings.
Vice President Mike Pence was promptly rushed out of the Capitol according to the New York Times, and Senate and House members were locked inside their respective chambers while demonstrators smashed windows and broke the doors of the Capitol. A woman has been shot and remains in critical condition.
At the time of writing, demonstrators continue to rally outside the Capitol and the entire DC National Guard had been deployed after Mayor Bowser requested all guardsmen on duty be sent to the Capitol.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has also issued a citywide curfew for the District of Columbia which is set to take effect tonight at 6 p.m. In a recent public safety briefing, city officials also stated anyone caught breaking the curfew would be held accountable and arrested.
[Featured image: Twitter / Pandemic PG]
This is a developing story.