Trump Supporters Enter US Capitol to Protest Election Results
Violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and the police inside the Capitol Hill where lawmakers were counting electoral votes to certify Joe Biden’s victory.
Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. is where the US Senate which is similar to India’s Rajya Sabha and House of Representatives, similar to Lok Sabha are seated. The US House of Representatives and Senate had met in a rare joint session to begin considering the certification of Electoral results, showing Joe Biden defeated Trump.
On Wednesday 6th Jan afternoon, Trump had told his supporters that he will not accept defeat, “We will never give up.”
Hours later, protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol’s steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers, who held shields, and the police could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. A suspicious package was also reported in the area Capitol Police. The protestors soon entered inside the Capitol building and there were reports of firing at the premises. Congressmen have had to be evacuated as Trump supporters entered Capitol Hill.
Trump supporters also breached the US Senate Chamber and have taken over the gallery. Some of the protesters are dressed in Viking clothing. Nothing like this has ever happened. One of the protesters even sat on the Speaker’s seat and declared that Trump won the election.
A woman has been killed due to shots fired by law enforcement officials but things are still unclear as of now.
As the clashes broke out, Trump appealed for peace on Twitter, “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!”
For the first time, Twitter officially removed several tweets from US President Donald Trump, where he spoke on the violent protests at the US Capitol. Twitter has said they have locked Trump's account for 12 hours and warned that they may delete his account permanently. One of the deleted tweets was a video where Trump addressed his supporters, telling them “We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You're very special.” He kept repeating allegations of voter fraud. Earlier Facebook and YouTube too removed Trump's video to supporters.
