A striking and never-before-seen event unfolded on Capitol Hill today, as pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol Building as lawmakers were ratifying the presidential election results. The chaotic scenes, which forced lawmakers certifying Joe Biden as president of the United States to shelter in place, shocked Americans and drew widespread condemnation across the political spectrum.
Mr. Biden did not mince words in condemning the violence, reminding that democracy is fragile and that the actions today "borders on sedition." Mr. Biden called on Mr. Trump to issue a statement denouncing the rioters.
President Trump at roughly 4:00 p.m. Eastern issued a video statement on Twitter, telling his followers that while the election was stolen from him, and them, that they needed to be peaceful and go home. But the statement came after chaos had unfolded in the nation's capital.
Following the video statement, Mr. Trump said in a followup tweet, "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!"
Both the House and Senate had ended their sessions at about 2:00 p.m. after the rioters successfully breached the Capitol. Capitol police hurried to lock chamber doors to keep the Trump supporters out. In the hallway, they could be heard yelling obscenities.
USVI Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, in an interview with the Consortium, condemned the developments and said democracy would prevail.
"It's madness right now watching these domestic terrorists try and destroy our country," she said.
To Virgin Islanders looking at the happenings on Capitol Hill, Ms. Plaskett said, "Know that members are being safe, and those of that are here will fight to ensure that these individuals who engaged in this, who desecrated our nation's capital, the Senate floor, the Capitol floor will be brought to justice. It is not lost on me that the level of violence occurs the day after we won Georgia, and the work of so many Black people just absolutely enrages individuals like this. Also, letting them know that when this is over and order is brought back, members will continue to do what they're supposed to do, which is certify the election and we will have a new president and a new vice president on January 20th."
Person Shot on Capitol Hill
As pro-Trump rioters stormed the Capitol Building, someone was shot during the chaos, according to news reports from U.S. media, including the Wall Street Journal. The victim was transported out of the Capitol for emergency care.
Chaos in Washington
From the Wall Street Journal: "At 4 p.m., large clouds of what appeared to be chemical irritant were coming from the building's north entrance, with flashes of light. A crowd of rioters still remained on the Capitol's north portico. It appeared people were still attempting to enter the Senate side of the building, while police in riot gear moved in along the entrances.
"Some of the rioters stood outside the Capitol attempting to get relief from the effects of chemical irritants. Some expressed anger about how law enforcement treated them inside the building.
"Windows outside the House side of the Capitol were smashed."
National Guard Activated in D.C.
"The D.C. Guard has been mobilized to provide support to federal law enforcement in the District of Columbia,'' said Jonathan Hoffman, chief Pentagon spokesman." The mobilization will include an additional 1,100 troops, and will bring the total number of soldiers sent to the Washington D.C. armory to 1,450, amid chaos on Capitol Hill.
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