Supporters of President Donald Trump have breached the US Capitol as lawmakers count the Electoral College votes certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win, authorities said.
Shortly after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 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.
Video from inside the Capitol showed Trump supporters marching through Statuary Hall. The US Capitol Police is asking for additional law enforcement for assistance, including federal authorities, per a source familiar.
Flash bangs could be heard near the steps of the Capitol as smoke filled the air. In some instances officers could be seen deploying pepper spray. Tear gas has been deployed, but it’s not clear whether by protesters or police, and people wiped tears from their eyes while coughing.
Trump supporters chanted “USA” and waved American and “Don’t Tread on Me” flags toward the front of the crowd after things had calmed some.
Holy shit pic.twitter.com/dofEG2SmqP
— Jim Newell (@jim_newell) January 6, 2021
trumper thugs are wilding out at the Capitol.
Expect a loud chorus of crickets from GOP hypocrites who constantly point fingers of blame at Antifa and BLM.pic.twitter.com/pB21nQY1RE
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) January 6, 2021
BREAKING: Protesters have breached the U.S. Capitol pic.twitter.com/MaaeZMS8jL
— BNO News (@BNONews) January 6, 2021
