https://twitter.com/i/status/1346913674934562820
George Robert Stephanopoulos (an American television host, political commentator, and former Democratic advisor) comments on the situation:
“What you’re seeing is something we’ve never seen before in the United States of America: the Capitol under siege”.
Supporters of President Donald Trump who rallied outside the U.S. Capitol clashed with police officers and breached the building, forcing a lockdown with members of Congress inside.
A law enforcement source told ABC News shots were fired. It is unknown if there are any injuries. Images show officers with weapons drawn.
The Federal Protective Service and Secret Service are en route to assist the police, according to a source.
The clashes began as Trump and his allies held a rally pushing the Senate to not certify the election for President-elect Joe Biden.
The protesters pushed ahead of barricades and a wall of police officers in riot gear to get into the building. Inside, the Trump supporters, many of whom were not seen wearing face coverings, waved “Trump 2020” flags, shouted chants and moved freely.
“If you are in a public space, find a place to hide or seek cover”, – U.S. Capitol Police told people inside the building.
According to reports, one of the protesters was in the dais of the Senate chamber and some were going door to door demanding “Where the f— are they?” They were also banging on the doors, according to reports.
President Trump, who was at the White House, tweeted at 2:39 p.m., “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!”
Fifteen minutes earlier, he tweeted that Vice President Mike Pence “didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution,” and “USA demands the truth!”