With the U.S. Capitol locked up and Washington under curfew, the George Washington men’s basketball game against UMass hosted Wednesday night was postponed.
Lawmakers were trapped inside the Capitol when violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and police. Dozens of people violated safety limits at the Capitol, and lawmakers inside the living room were told to put on gas masks while firing tear gas into the Rotunda.
The office of Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an evening clock from 6pm ET Wednesday to 6pm Thursday, saying people are not allowed to ride, bike or even walk in any streets in the city. A while later, George Washington postponed his game. The school said the Atlantic 10 will work to reschedule the game.
UMass said its team will travel back to Massachusetts Wednesday night.
There were no major professional sporting events to be held in Washington on Wednesday. The Washington Wizards of the NBA are expected to play in Philadelphia.
Legislators met to confirm the victory of President Joe Biden just as a rally for President Trump ended. His supporters marched to the Capitol.
Skirmishes took place outside the building, at the place where Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks. Protesters broke down metal barriers at the bottom of the stairs of the Capitol and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push at the officers holding the shield, and officers could be seen throwing pepper spray into the crowd. Some protesters did enter the Capitol, with reports of armed casualties in the House.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.