WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Capitol closed Wednesday with lawmakers inside as violent clashes erupted between supporters of President Donald Trump and police.
An announcement was made inside the Capitol when lawmakers were meeting and he was expected to vote to affirm Joe Biden’s victory. Due to an “external security threat,” no one could enter or leave the Capitol complex, according to the recording.
Both chambers abruptly entered the recess.
The skirmishes took place outside, right at the site where President-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.
Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol stairs and were found by officers with riot gear. Some tried to pass beyond the officers who had shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray at the crowd to hold them back. Some of the crowd shouted “traitors” as officers tried to hold them back.
A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol police said.
The skirmishes came shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, storming the crowd with his unfounded allegations of election fraud at a rally near the White House on Wednesday ahead of Congress voting.
“We will not let them silence your voices,” Trump told protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a privileged position to listen to the president.