By Sophia Alexandrou
On Wednesday afternoon, January 6, pro-Trump rioters stormed Capitol Hill after Congress was preparing to confirm Joe Biden's presidency. Following months of voter fraud claims from the President, supporters showed up on Capitol Hill to voice their anger. Though beginning as a relatively peaceful demonstration, these Trump supporters quickly turned violent.
At around 1 p.m. EST, protesters broke through barriers around the Capitol and were able to move into the building about 90 minutes afterwards. Despite struggles with the police, the mob was able to successfully make their way into the building. Rioters, many of whom were yielding weapons, made their way into the chambers and the offices of government officials. During the chaos, a woman was shot and has now been confirmed to be dead. The circumstances surrounding her death have not yet been released to the public.
Congress halted the counting of the electoral votes and the House floor was evacuated. D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser activated the D.C. National Guard, requesting defense of the Capitol against the rioters. In addition, Bowser enacted a 12-hour curfew, beginning at 6 p.m. across Washington D.C. Congress plans on continuing the count of these votes once the riots calm down.
Thus far, President Trump has remained silent on the issue; however, the intense reactions of these Trump supporters has led to some concern about possible future political unrest during the upcoming Biden administration.
The Orange will update this story as more details become available.