The United States Capitol is currently being stormed by hundreds of pro–Donald Trump rioters who, angry at the fact Joe Biden will assume the presidency in two weeks, have violently breached the building. This unprecedented act has halted Congress’s plan to ceremonially affirm the 2020 election results today and has sent senators and representatives fleeing for safety.
“Flash bangs could be heard near the steps of the Capitol as smoke filled the air,” CNN reported, describing the scene. “In some instances, officers could be seen deploying pepper spray. Tear gas has been deployed, but it’s not clear whether by protesters or police, and people wiped tears from their eyes while coughing.”
Although it’s also being reported that there are people inside the Capitol building who have sustained physical injuries (CNN sources claim one woman is in “critical condition” after being shot in the chest), Donald Trump initially did little to de-escalate the chaos aside from telling rioters to “remain peaceful” on Twitter.
As the situation continues into the evening, journalists are on the ground covering the shocking reality of what’s happening in D.C. today. Here are startling pictures of the event as it unfolds—including people breaking into Senate chambers and being detained by Capitol security officers.
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