Riots Spark in U.S. Capitol

BY REGAN GOULD, GIGI GABLE, AND TALIA BERMAN-CUTLER 

On Wednesday, January 6th, Pro-Trump protesters gathered outside the Capitol Building in Washington DC.

Nearly 2,000 people gathered to protest the results of the election. However, the protest did not stay peaceful for long, and quickly turned into a riot. Sadly four people lost their lives, including a woman who was shot by police.

People stormed into the Capitol and pushed past police barricades, outnumbering police. Congressional leaders hid under their desks, and House members were seen in gas masks as they evacuated the buildings. Many Senate offices were destroyed, including Nancy Pelosi’s, the Democratic Speaker of the House, whose podium was stolen. Additionally, a pipe bomb was found alongside the wall of the Republican National Committee's headquarters, which police safely detonated. 

The Congressional leaders were gathered at the Capitol to count the electoral votes when the building was breached. Congressional leaders were removed from the building or remained locked in chambers until order was restored. The representatives returned to the Capitol to finish the session, even though it took until 2 am.

There are many theories and much speculation however what is clear is that these actions were inexcusable. 

Sources: https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/us-capitol-lockdown/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/us/capitol-rioters.html

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