Violent assault on US democracy - 13 January 2021

On 6th January, the US Congress met on Capitol Hill in Washington to certify the victory of Joe Biden as President. This formality, typically overlooked by the media, transformed into a battle in the heart of the nation’s democracy.

At noon, President Trump addressed a rally in sight of the White House, reiterating unsubstantiated claims that he had won the elections.

Trump: "We will never give up, we will never concede. It doesn't happen, you don't concede when there’s theft involved."

Spurred on by the President’s words, the crowd marched to the Capitol building. Whilst for some this was a peaceful protest, the situation soon dissolved into chaos.

The special police force for the Capitol were overwhelmed as hundreds of people forced their way into the building.

Members of Congress, including the Vice President Mike Pence, sheltered in an undisclosed location as the mob occupied both chambers and raided offices.

Members of the media had camera equipment torn from their hands. A Capitol police officer numbered among five who lost their lives following the storming of Congress, while over 60 other officers sustained injuries.

Forces from neighbouring states and Washington metropolitan police were brought in to quell the insurrection and the Congress’s confirmation proceedings resumed.

Vice President Mike Pence addressed Congress.

Pence: "Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of US Capitol police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled."

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi also addressed the representatives gathered again to confirm the election results.

Pelosi: “Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.”