U.S. Capitol on Lockdown due to Increasingly Violent Protests from Pro-Trump Thugs

Update 1/6/21 7:15 PM EST:

 

  • The National Guard, SWAT Team, and Metropolitan Police calmly walked out rioters from the Capitol beginning at approximately 4:30 PM.  Pelosi has announced the certification vote will continue at 8 PM EST in an undisclosed location.

    People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
  • Prior to the building being re-secured, a pipe bomb was discovered at the Republican National Committee’s headquarters.  The device was found outside along the headquarter’s wall and was safely detonated by the police.
  • At least two more suspected pipe bombs, said to be real explosive devices, were detonated safely including one at the building that houses RNC offices and one in the US Capitol complex.
  • President-elect Joe Biden issued a statement asking Trump to “step up” and issue a statement disavowing the actions of his supporters.  Trump issued a statement requesting his supporters go home but continued his false statements of fraudulent election results and conflicting messaging.
  • Trump continued dangerous rhetoric on his social media platforms leading Youtube, Facebook, and Twitter to delete two of his posts.  Twitter also locked Trump’s account and is requiring the removal of three tweets citing their recent “Civic Integrity Policy” and stated if the tweets are not removed, his account will remain locked.

  • We are sad to announce the woman previously mentioned who was shot in the chest has died.  Details have not been released surrounding the shooting or details of her identity.
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud.(AP Photo/John Minchillo)
  • This is not a day we ever hoped to see as the Capitol has not been stormed and taken over in this manner since 1814 during the War of 1812 when the British burned Washington in retaliation.

The vote will continue despite these horrific events and we will continue to update this article as updates are made available.

 

Update 1/6/21 3:30 PM EST:

  • The Capitol rotunda has been breached with protestors breaking windows and climbing through them, walking throughout the Capitol as lawmakers hide in their offices.  Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has called for the National Guard to step in and assist.
  • A woman is also reportedly in critical condition after being shot in the chest.  No further details on her condition are known.
  • Trump has only tweeted asking for support of the Capitol police and to “remain peaceful” but his staff is requesting a stronger disavowing statement.

 

Original Story 1/6/21 2:30 PM EST:

The U.S. Capitol, site of today’s presidential certification vote, is now on lockdown due to increasingly violent protestors onsite.

What We Know:

  • Protestors have scaled the U.S. Capitol building as they pushed through police barricades and police have begun to back off in certain areas.

  • Surrounding buildings are being evacuated including the Library of Congress’s Madison Building across from the Capitol as well as the Cannon House office building.
  • There are reports of several suspicious packages around the building and flashbangs being heard as well.
  • The certification vote has been paused due to the evacuations and protests.  This comes after Republican members planned to object to the certification vote and Mitch McConnell gave a message requesting they not do so.
  • Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has ordered a citywide curfew at 6 PM today until 6 AM tomorrow.

This is a developing story.