WASHINGTON – What started as a day for lawmakers to convene for a joint session to confirm the Electoral College results has ended in violence and chaos at the U.S. Capitol, resulting in angry supporters of President Donald Trump to storm through the building.
Images from the Associated Press and Getty show how Wednesday’s proceedings evolved from a Trump rally at the Ellipse south of the White House, to a protest, to a violent clash with Capitol police, to a shooting inside the building.
Click through the slideshow to see images of how Wednesday’s proceedings evolved from a rally to chaos.
People attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump called the "Save America Rally," Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Several thousand protesters cheered on Trump and his unproven claims of election fraud as he spoke to a crowd earlier Wednesday. During the rally, Trump egged them on to march to Capitol Hill.
“We will not let them silence your voices,” Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.
According to media reports, protestors then breached the Capitol, forcing a lockdown and a delay to the vote certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
At least one person has been shot, according to the Associated Press. Details surrounding the shooting are unclear at this time, but the person was taken to a hospital.
Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda.
Trump has since tweeted to his supporters to “stay peaceful” and to “please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement.”
A curfew has been ordered by Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for the nation’s capital beginning at 6 p.m.
The protests first began on Tuesday with a rally at Freedom Plaza near the White House. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was expected to attend the protests.
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