The world is watching as chaos erupts on Capitol Hill in the nation's capital. As federal lawmakers were set to debate the results of the electoral college, supporters of President Donald Trump have stormed the Capitol and clashed with police. Some have even made their way into federal buildings and attempted to reach the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. As a result, Capitol Police officers drew their weapons in an effort to deescalate the situation.
With chaos erupting, debates of the electoral college results were stopped mid-session. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate have been provided with additional security. Vice President Mike Pence and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris have been evacuated to unidentified locations.
As the situation unfolded, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and several others have commented on the matter.
"We are about to reach peak ridiculousness, send us your prayers. It’s a scary wild day for American democracy," Omar tweeted.
"A mob storming the U.S. Capitol to overturn an election. A coup in progress. A dark day for America. But this is what they always wanted. Don’t let them deny it. They will lose. We will not be intimidated. Democracy will win," Rep. Val Demings added.
President Donald Trump did not immediately condemn the riots erupting minutes away from the White House. Instead, he began by criticizing his running mate, Vice President Mike Pence.
"Mike Pence didn’t have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth," he began.
As the situation continued to unfold, he issued a statement of support for Capitol Police. However, he refused to condemn the actions of rioters.
"Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful," he tweeted.
President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris have not yet issued a statement regarding this matter.
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