New Delhi (NVI): At least four people died in violence at US Capitol on Wednesday as pro-Trump protesters clashed with police, as the US Congress held a joint session to count the 2020 Electoral College votes.
The chaotic protests were aimed at thwarting a peaceful transfer of power and disrupting the lawmakers at Capitol Hill as they were about to certify Democrat President-elect Joe Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election.
According to police, a woman was shot dead as a mob tried to break through a barricaded door and three other people died in medical emergencies. A mob of Trump supporters engaged with riot police as scores of protesters were arrested. Some explosive devices were also seized from them.
The chaotic turn of events forced police and security at the Capitol to rush the lawmakers to a safer place. Lawmakers including VP Mike Pence were evacuated from the building as the mob forced a lockdown at Capitol. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has said that the city will be under a state of public emergency lasting until January 21.
However, the Congress returned later in the day to resume their proceedings after the Capitol was cleared by law enforcement.
In another big development following the clashes, the Congress has officially certified President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’ victory in Nov 3 election. Biden will be sworn-in as the new US President on January 20th.
Meanwhile, after Joe Biden’s win was confirmed and hours after the US Capitol siege, President Trump conceded defeat while pledging an “orderly transition” on January 20.
In a statement released to the press at White House on the Electoral Certification, Trump said, “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless, there will be an orderly transition on January 20th. I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!”
He also posted a message on Twitter but his personal account was locked by the microblogging site for 12 hours, following the violent protests by his supporters.
World leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi have also condemned the violence at the US Capitol. In a tweet, PM Modi said that “orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue”.
“Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests,” he tweeted.
Distressed to see news about rioting and violence in Washington DC. Orderly and peaceful transfer of power must continue. The democratic process cannot be allowed to be subverted through unlawful protests.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 7, 2021
-ARK
