Police hold off Trump supporters who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
WASHINGTON — Protesters remained on scene after authorities declared a curfew in the nation’s capital amid a day of unrest and violence.
Congress suspended its count of the Electoral College votes to affirm Joe Biden as the next president while current US President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed into the US Capitol, breaking windows and battling riot police on Wednesday afternoon.
CNN and AP report that the Capitol building is now secure.
Authorities evacuated lawmakers as D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a 6 p.m. (EST) curfew amid escalating violence in the Capitol that saw police draw their weapons as protesters tried to breach the doors of the House Chamber during a joint session of Congress on Wednesday.
As police pushed protesters back from the Capitol steps, they seem to be ignoring the curfew.
Mr. Trump has since called for “peace” and for protesters to “go home.”
“I know you’re in pain, I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us,” he said, repeating false claims he’s repeatedly made during the 1-minute pre-recorded video. “But you have to go home now.”
President-elect Joe Biden called the violence in the nation’s capital an “unprecedented assault” on US democracy.
A woman shot inside the Capitol by a member of law enforcement died, several law enforcement officials told NBC News.
As the Trump supporters breached the building, law enforcement officers inside instructed elected officials, staff and journalists to shelter in place. In a bulletin to Capitol staff, Capitol Police ordered lawmakers and staff to lock their doors, remain quiet and silence all electronics.
“If you are in a public space, find a place to hide or seek cover,” the bulletin read.
The D.C. National Guard has been activated. The Federal Protective Service, Secret Service, Virginia National Guard, and Arlington, Va., police are responding to assist the U.S. Capitol Police.