NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – Pro-Trump protesters stormed barricades outside the Capitol Building on Wednesday, clashing with police and sending the building into lockdown as Congress came together to count the Electoral College votes.
A woman was shot in the chest on the U.S. Capitol grounds and left in critical condition, CNN reported, citing two sources. She was being treated for gunshot wounds. CNN reported that the circumstances were unclear.
Videos show hundreds of protesters breaching the security barricades at the back of the Capitol and fighting with federal police.
"I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful," Trump tweeted around 3:15 p.m. "No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"
The videos appear to show violence at several locations outside the building as lawmakers gathered inside.
The protesters eventually entered the building and Vice President Mike Pence was rushed from the Senate chamber, according to multiple reports. Some lawmakers were locked in their offices.
Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens tweeted that she was “sheltering in place in my office.”
“The building next door has been evacuated. I can’t believe I have to write this,” Stevens wrote.
The Capitol was placed on lockdown, according to CNN, and there were reports of suspicious devices in the area.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and other senators were led out, escorted by staff and police on Wednesday afternoon. Members of the House were also being evacuated.
At least one protester appeared to have made it all the way to the dais in the Senate chamber as others roamed the halls.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser ordered a citywide curfew for the District of Columbia from 6:00 p.m. Wednesday until 6:00 a.m. Thursday.
Inside the Capitol, a joint session of Congress was underway to count and confirm the Electoral College vote won by Biden.
Thousands of Trump supporters gathered in Washington for a “Stop the Steal” march, echoing the president’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.
Speaking to supporters outside the White House on Wednesday, Trump vowed “we will never concede.”
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