Trump's Supporters Storm U.S Capitol
Hours after President Trump encouraged supporters to march to the Capitol to protest the certification of last November’s election results, thousands of them did just that. They were met with resistance from Capitol police upon reaching the building, but not long after 2 p.m. they were able to overwhelm authorities and breach the halls of government. Congress, which was in the process of debating the presidential vote certification, abruptly went into recess and the building was locked down.
Hundreds of President Donald Trump's followers paraded and staggered across some of the most holy spaces in the Capitol—propelled at the Dais Senate and the Speaker's Office—all to protest the victory and keep President Donald Trump in office.
It was an extraordinary, unprecedented scene.
Trump, had been encouraging protesters as Congress convened for a joint session to certify Joe Biden’s win.
Inside the House chamber, lawmakers described a harrowing scene.
As they stayed down, they were told to have gas masks at the ready -- and take off the lapel pins they wear identifying them as elected representatives.
Police had guns drawn, and furniture barricaded the door.
Glass was shattered. Some prayed while protesters banged on the doors. Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips yelled loudly at Republicans, “This is because of you!”
A chaplain prayed as police guarded the doors to the chamber and lawmakers tried to gather information about what was happening.
As of 7:00 p.m., the Capitol was still occupied, but officials say the are working to clear it including a sweep around the building to ensure there are no devices.
Check back later for updates.