Way back in September, Donald Trump was asked if he would commit to a peaceful transfer of power should he end up losing to Joe Biden. At the time, he declined to do so and apparently months of time and non-reflection haven’t changed his mind. On Wednesday, as it became clear Mike Pence would not overthrow the Electoral College’s election results, the president’s supporters, in town to protest the certification of Biden’s win, headed for Capitol Hill, toppling metal barricades set up around the building, screaming “forward” and “USA! USA!” According to The Washington Post and video from journalists on the scene, some of them were able to breach security to enter the building, forcing Congress to stop its proceedings and the U.S. Capitol Police to tell lawmakers: “Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover.”
Office buildings nearby, including one for the House of Representatives, were reportedly evacuated, with police at the Cannon House building “going door to door yelling at people to evacuate” and staffers evacuated through underground tunnels. On Twitter, the president suggested to his supporters that Pence was a traitor.
Later, the president did the bare minimum to act as though he cared about keeping the peace, while crucially not telling the angry mob to leave the premises immediately:
According to reporter local Fox DC reporter Lindsey Watts, one person has been shot; MSNBC footage shows a person being wheeled out of the Capitol on a stretcher, covered in blood:
An injured Capitol Hill police officer reportedly told journalist Taylor Popielarz, “You want to get the hell out of here, they’ve taken over the Capitol.”
Nancy Pelosi has reportedly requested the National Guard be deployed, according to a senior Democractic aide. Mitt Romney told a New York Times reporter: “This is what the president has caused today, this insurrection.”
Later, the man whose literal fault all of this is tweeted more faux concern while still refusing to accept the results of the election and telling his supporters to do the same:
I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
This is a developing story.
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