With the U.S. Capitol closed and Washington under curfew, George Washington’s men’s basketball game against UMass scheduled for Wednesday night was postponed.
Lawmakers were trapped inside the Capitol as violent clashes erupted between supporters of President Donald Trump and police. Dozens of people breached security perimeters at the Capitol and chamber lawmakers called for them to put on gas masks while tear gas was fired at the roundabout.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office issued a curfew from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, saying you could not drive, ride a bike, or walk down any street in the city. city. Shortly afterwards, George Washington postponed his game. The school said the Atlantic 10 will work to reschedule the game.
UMass said his team will travel to Massachusetts again Wednesday night.
No major professional sporting events were scheduled in Washington on Wednesday. The Washington Wizards of the NBA are scheduled to play in Philadelphia.
Lawmakers had gathered to affirm the victory of President-elect Joe Biden just as a rally for President Trump was coming to an end. His supporters marched on the Capitol.
The skirmishes took place outside the building, in the same place where 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 past the officers who had shields and the officers could be seen firing pepper spray at the crowd. Some protesters did enter the Capitol, with reports of armed clashes in the House of Commons.
The information from The Associated Press was used in this report.