Protesters swarm to Capitol, halt session on electoral college certification
UPDATE: The White House says National Guard troops along with other federal protective services are en route to the Capitol to help end an violent occupation by President Donald Trump's supporters who are seeking to prevent the certification of the 2020 presidential election.
Press secretary Kayleigh McEnany tweeted that “At President @realDonaldTrump's direction, the National Guard is on the way along with other federal protective services.”
She added, “We reiterate President Trump's call against violence and to remain peaceful.”
----------------------------------
WASHINGTON — One person has been shot Wednesday at the U.S. Capitol as dozens of supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building and violently clashed with police.
That's according to a person familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity amid a chaotic situation.
The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting were unclear. The person said the victim was taken to a hospital. There are reports that the person who was shot has died Wednesday evening.
The shooting came as dozens of Trump supporters breached security perimeters and entered the U.S. Capitol as Congress was meeting, expected to vote and affirm Joe Biden's presidential win.
Both chambers of Congress abruptly recessed as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.
There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and debate was suspended. A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told lawmakers to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.
An announcement was played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Biden's victory. Due to an “external security threat,” no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said.
The two chambers, in the midst of debating objections to Arizona's electoral votes, were evacuated. Vice President Mike Pence, Senate President Pro Tempore Charles E. Grassley and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, all in the presidential line of succession, have been taken to secure locations by Capitol Police and the Secret Service.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, confirmed in a text to the Eagle around 3:30 p.m. that he is in a secure location and is safe.
The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol's steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. Some in the crowd were shouting “traitors” as officers tried to keep them back.A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol Police said.The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House on Wednesday ahead of Congress' vote.“We will not let them silence your voices,” Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.Around 3:30 p.m., President Donald Trump encouraged supporters occupying the U.S. Capitol to “remain peaceful."As he faced growing pressure from allies to condemn the violence Wednesday afternoon, Trump tweeted, “No violence!” adding: “Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue.”<i> This is a breaking news report — we will update as the situation develops.</i>
