As lawmakers in D.C. convened to count the Electoral College votes cast to solidify President-elect Joe Bidens victory, the U.S. Capitol was breached by protestors.
The joint session of Congress was evacuated as supporters of President Trump stormed the building in protest of the vote that was set to take place this afternoon. Vice-President Mike Pence, who was presiding over the session, was moved to a secure location and the building was placed on lockdown.
As protestors forced their way into the building, law enforcement deployed tear gas in an effort to control the situation. Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson tweeted locked in Capitol and securing face mask for members. Congressman Trent Kelly called on protestors to keep things peaceful.
Reports of shots fired have emerged, including some from within the building. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News that “people are hurt. NRP is reporting that one woman was seen being rolled out on a stretcher while visibly bleeding. White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that the National Guard is on its way to the building.
The protestors from the March for Trump rally spilled onto the capitol steps hours after the President spoke to a gathered crowd. During his speech, the president reportedly told his supporters to march on the capitol steps amid his continued claims of voter fraud that have been rejected by state and federal courts.
Despite the objection of several Republican lawmakers, including Mississippi Congressman Steven Palazzo, the certification of Bidens victory was set to proceed as Pence stated this morning that he would not object to the Electoral College vote.
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