Senators, representatives, and vice president head to secure shelters.
UPDATE: 7:30 PM EST
Vice President Mike Pence, along with both the Senate and House of Representatives returned to the congressional chambers.
Both the Senate and House have resumed hearing objections to the Electoral College certification and will review and vote on each objection in turn.
UPDATE: 5:20 PM EST
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the D.C. police will be clearing the capital and establishing a parameter for the safety of government officials and city residents.
Most protesters have dispersed, but several thousand are still gathered in the area. Additionally, while interactions between police and those gathered have been largely peaceful law enforcement personnel began using tear gas on protestors as part of the effort to push them back from the steps of Capitol Hill.
UPDATE: 4:35 PM EST
Protesters entered the U.S. Capitol Building and were met by Capitol Police following a session of the Congress called to order their joint session to certify the votes of the Electoral College. The mayor of the District of Columbia has called a 6 p.m. curfew for the city.
Reports are that one woman was shot, but the police have declined to provide further information at this time. No other violence has been reported as police begin to disperse the crowd.
President Trump made a video statement saying, “I know you’re in pain, I know you’re hurt… but you have to go home now.” The president added in an additional tweet, “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful.”
Vice President Pence, who was in the Capitol when the building was evacuated, tweeted that the “violence and destruction taking place at the US Capitol MST STOP and Must Stop Now.”
“Peaceful protest is the right of every American, but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the vice president tweeted.
UPDATE 3:30 PM EST
The U.S. Capitol was placed on lockdown and Vice President Mike Pence left the floor of Congress as hundreds of civilians crossed barricades and entered the building where lawmakers were debating the certification of Electoral College votes.
Crowds believed to be part of those rallying in support of President Trump made their way into both the Senate and House chambers. The president called in the national guard, urged protestors to remain peaceful and denounced any violence.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the safety of all lawmakers and the vice president as well as the Capitol police and National Guard.
- For demonstrators to heed the call to remain peaceful in their protests.
- That God’s truths are revealed for His will for our nation through the events and outcomes of today.
Sources: C-SPAN, ABC News, Bloomberg News, CNN, Fox News
