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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The protesters pushed through barriers set up along the perimeter of the Capitol building just after 1 p.m. EST. <\/p>\n
Slate reporter Jim Newell captured the moment the group, beating on a set of doors, entered the building.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
CNN reporters posted inside the House building reported hearing chants of "USA! USA!" as the protestors entered the building.<\/p>\n
The House and Senate had recessed and stopped the proceedings of tallying the votes as the situation began to unfold. <\/p>\n
Pool reports said that lawmakers were being evacuated, though it was unclear where they being taken.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
"I can't believe I have to write this," Stevens wrote. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
C-SPAN showed footage of tear gas being deployed inside the Capitol. <\/p>\n
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced she was issuing a 6 p.m. curfew for Washington D.C. as the events began to unfold.<\/p>\n
The president addressed the protestors gathered outside earlier in the day saying, "we will never give up, we will never concede."<\/p>\n
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!"<\/p>\n