Three people died on Wednesday during unrest at the American Capitol – in addition to a woman who was shot dead by the police when protesters broke into the historic building, said police at a briefing.
According to Robert Contee, police chief in Metropolitan DC, it appears that the other three deaths of the day – one woman and two men – died due to ‘medical emergencies’.
Contee said the deaths are being investigated.
The woman was killed inside the Capitol building, identified as Ashli Babbitt, a veterinarian of the U.S. Air Force.
Hundreds of supporters of President Trump, many who had earlier come from a protest by the president outside the White House, broke into the Capitol building and vandalized it.
In all, Contee said 52 people were arrested after supporters of President Trump broke into the Capitol while Congress confirmed the president’s loss of election day to former Vice President Joe Biden.
Four of them were people charged with carrying unlicensed weapons, and one with possession of illegal weapons, he said.
Most were charged with violating a 6 to 6 o’clock curfew imposed by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Contee said more than a dozen cops were injured in the assault, two of them seriously.
“You should also be aware that at least 14 MPD officers sustained injuries during the protests,” the chief said. ‘One member sustained serious injuries after being pulled over and assaulted by a crowd. He is currently hospitalized and is currently being tested for treatment for this injury. ”
“One officer sustained significant facial injuries after being hit by a projectile and was also admitted to hospital,” Contee said.
Bowser also said emergency measures would remain in the country’s capital for 15 days until Biden was sworn in as president.