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.
As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021
- 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.
- 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.
Hundreds of Trump supporters have stormed the barricades at the back of the Capitol and are marching toward the building. pic.twitter.com/68nB7QyiP9
— Rebecca Tan (@rebtanhs) January 6, 2021
- 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.
Protesters are charging toward the Captiol steps. Some tried to scale the construction structures and have been tackled by police. They want to enter the building and are making attempts at intervals. Capitol police trying to hold them back. pic.twitter.com/YflxS1miBw
— Rebecca Tan (@rebtanhs) January 6, 2021
This is a developing story.
