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Photos: Protests turn violent as Trump supporters storm the Capitol, delaying the Electoral College certification

Hundreds of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building in Washington D.C. Wednesday afternoon, pushing past metal barricades and security guards and breaking fences along the way. The group, many carrying American flags and Trump 2020 flags and signs, were protesting the transfer of power from President Donald Trump to President-elect Joe Biden.

As the Senate convened to certify the Electoral College vote, the group, falsely asserting that the election has been stolen from Trump, forced the certification proceedings to a halt. 

Trump Rally-Capitol Protest
Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump clash with police officers in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC.
Stephanie Keith—Reuters
Trump Rally-Capitol Protest
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier outside the Capitol.
Julio Cortez—AP Images

Capitol Police ordered the evacuation of two campus buildings—the Library of Congress James Madison Memorial Building and the Cannon House Office Building—and placed the Capitol under lockdown as protestors breached the building and gathered outside of the Senate chamber.  “All buildings within the Capitol Complex, Capitol: External security threat, no entry or exit is permitted, stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover,” they sent in a message to those working on the Hill. 

“I just had to evacuate my office because of a pipe bomb reported outside,” tweeted Democratic Congresswoman Elaine Luria whose office is located in the Cannon building. 

Those present at the scene reported that gunshots were fired in the House Chamber and that there was currently a standoff between Capitol police and rioters. Staff in the Senate Press gallery advised journalists that they would be locked in the Senate chamber for their protection. 

Trump Rally-Capitol Protest
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier.
Julio Cortez—AP Images
Trump Rally-Capitol Protest
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier as Congress prepares to certify the 2020 election.
Julio Cortez—AP Images

Police attempted to use smoke explosives to try to stop the crowds, but were unable to block them from moving in. The police noted several suspicious packages around the building and asked for additional law enforcement assistance and help from federal authorities. 

The forceful storming comes during two days of protests, which were largely encouraged by President Trump. Thousands attended events, including a speech given by the president himself. “We will never concede,” Trump told the crowd. “You don’t concede when there’s theft.”

Trump Rally-Capitol Protest
Demonstrators breach barricades to enter the U.S. Capitol.
Ting Shen—Bloomberg/Getty Images
A US Capitol police officer wears agas mask as supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the Capitol.
Saul Loeb—AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of US President Donald Trump enter the US Capitol as tear gas fills the corridor.
Saul Loeb—AFP/Gatty Images
Trump Rally-Capitol Protest

Drew Angerer—Getty Images

After protestors had infiltrated the Capitol Building, President Trump tweeted, “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!”

The certification of Biden’s presidency, underway in the Senate, was paused due to the protests and Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser instituted a citywide curfew from 6 p.m. Wednesday evening to 6 a.m. Thursday morning.

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