WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Capitol was closed on Wednesday with lawmakers inside when violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and police.
An announcement was made in the Capitol as lawmakers gathered and were expected to vote to confirm Joe Biden’s victory. Due to an “external security threat”, no one was able to enter or leave the Capitol complex, the survey said.
Both rooms suddenly went into recess.
The skirmishes took place outside the place where President-elect 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 who were holding shield, and officers could be seen throwing pepper spray into the crowd to hold them back. Some in the crowd shouted ‘traitors’ when officers tried to stop them.
A suspicious package has also been reported in the area, Capitol police said.
The skirmishes took place just after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters and stirred up the crowd with his unfounded allegations of electoral fraud during a rally near the White House Wednesday before the congressional vote.
“We will not allow them to silence your voices,” Trump told protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get an excellent position to hear the president.