The United States Capitol is on lockdown as a large group of pro-Trump protestors breached the building and marched inside Statuary Hall. The chaotic and unprecedented situation remains ongoing with details still developing.
The building was breached while as lawmakers were gathered inside the Capitol to count the Electoral College votes certifying President-elect Joe Biden's win.
Thousands of protestors had gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump amid his unfounded claims of election fraud following his November loss to Biden.
The protesters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol building just after 1 p.m. EST.
Slate reporter Jim Newell captured the moment the group, beating on a set of doors, entered the building.
Video footage taken at the scene shows demonstrators carrying "Trump 2020" and "Don't Tread on Me" flags clashing with police, many in full riot gear, near the Capitol building.
CNN reporters posted inside the House building reported hearing chants of "USA! USA!" as the protestors entered the building.
The House and Senate had recessed and stopped the proceedings of tallying the votes as the situation began to unfold.
Pool reports said that lawmakers were being evacuated, though it was unclear where they being taken.
In a tweet sent out Wednesday afternoon, Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens said she was "sheltering in place" in her office and that the building next door had been evacuated.
"I can't believe I have to write this," Stevens wrote.
CNN reported that Pence had been evacuated from the building, as Huffington Post reporter Matt Fuller tweeted that he could hear gunshots outside the chamber.
C-SPAN showed footage of tear gas being deployed inside the Capitol.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she was issuing a 6 p.m. curfew for Washington D.C. as the events began to unfold.
The president addressed the protestors gathered outside earlier in the day saying, "we will never give up, we will never concede."
In a 2:38 p.m. tweet, Trump wrote, "Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!"
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