Congress evacuates as violence erupts at the U.S. Capitol
AGN.News
Wednesday January 6, 2021
WASHINGTON (AGN.News) – A day of sadness and grief came to the U.S. Capitol as rioters and thousands of people occupied the grounds and breached the Capitol Building. Looting and destruction of government property including broken windows and doors occurred for several hours on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
Inside the Capitol Building was a session of Congress. Members of the House and Senate were meeting to certify the Electoral College votes from the 2020 Presidential Election. This process was interrupted as tear gas was deployed in an effort to gain control of the Capitol. Vice President Mike Pence and all members of Congress were evacuated to safe places.
Pipe bombs or explosive devices, a long gun, molotov cocktails, countless other make-shift weapons were found during a sweep of the Capitol Building grounds and other area buildings. One person was arrested in the area with a semi automatic rifle and 11 Molotov cocktails, according to prosecutors.
Thousands of police, National Guard troops and police from the District, MPD, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York state, FBI, ATF, Secret Service, Capitol Police and others have descended on Washington D.C. to gain control of the situation and enforce a 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. curfew in the District.
There were serious injuries and deaths as a result of the rioting by pro-Trump supporters. A total of 5 dead (1 person, Ashlii Babbit, shot by Capitol Police), 1 Capitol Police Officer (Officer Brian D. Sicknick who died from his injuries on Thursday), 3 died from “medical emergencies”. 52 people were initially arrested while MPD arrested around 68. Some of those arrested were not related to the Capitol breach according to the MPD.
The injured included 56 police officers and many other unreported injuries. A lady was bleeding from the left side of her head, who said her name was Elizabeth from Knoxville Tennessee. She said the injury was sustained while trying to enter the Capitol Building. She also said, “We’re storming the Capitol, It’s a revolution!”
Many injuries sustained by rioters and pro-Trump supporters were the result of unlawful conduct considered by many as crimes. Rioters and other pro-Trump supporters who breached the Capitol Building and complex freely admitted their involvement in the breach. Burglary to offices and theft of government property as well as looting has been reported causing injuries.
By late Wednesday, troops had retaken the Capitol and there was little evidence of the crowds at the U.S. Capitol by 11:00 p.m. Police patrols were arresting anyone violating the curfew. Peace has been restored to Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. and the four quadrants of the city. Washington D.C. is returning to normal.
The FBI has setup an online form to identify the violent or otherwise unlawful individuals “related to violent activity at the U.S. Capitol Building.”
COVID-19 NEWS
Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a global pandemic with infections increasing everyday. In the U.S. alone there are now a total confirmed cases of over 21,314,415 and over 361,453 total deaths.
The following information may help everyone understand how they can help with containing the virus.
Stores like Kohl’s, Kroger, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Starbucks, and many more retailers are participating in the nationwide Coronavirus mask mandate.
In the U.S. the work-at-home requirement has now become the norm in many businesses and this appears to be an effective way to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in the workplace.
CDC: Know the symptoms. Elderly persons are at-risk. Prepare your family. Feeling ill, contact your preferred medical professional. Limit up-close personal social contacts. Wear a mask in public. Stay home. Avoid unnecessary trips. Wash your hands for 20 seconds. Keep your home surfaces clean. Avoid groups of 10 or more. Limit contacts.
Coronavirus.gov
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Written by
AGN.News Team
