Four lives have been lost in the violence that took place at the US Capitol building on Wednesday in Washington D.C. The Metropolitan Police Department confirming the deaths said that while one woman was shot, three others died due to "medical emergencies." Fourteen DC police officers were also injured in the violence.
As pro-Trump protestors stormed the building attempting to halt the ceremonial counting of the electoral votes, the police were largely outnumbered even as an armed confrontation took place. According to international media reports, 52 rioters have been arrested on the US Capitol grounds. The Trump supporters were said to be trying to storm the lawmakers meeting that is set to certify President-Elect Joe Biden's recent victory over Trump.
Visuals of vandalism and rioting, scaling of walls surfaced on social media late Wednesday night. Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser on Thursday extended the public emergency for a total of 15 days. The mayor said Trump's "constant and divisive rhetoric led to the upward actions we saw today."
I have issued Mayor’s Order 2021-003, extending the public emergency declared earlier today for a total of 15 days, until and unless provided for by further Mayoral Order.
— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) January 7, 2021
A curfew was ordered in the city from 6 pm to 6 am.
Muriel Bowser lashed out at President Trump for inciting the violence while stating that he must be held accountable for the same. She called the incidents of violence as "unprecedented attack on American democracy."
1.6.21 Chief Contee and @MayorBowser provide situational updates https://t.co/Pk5yfs302D
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) January 7, 2021
Meanwhile, the DC Police Department said they are looking out for five suspects in a vehicle as part of the investigation into the shooting.
ALERT: Shooting Investigation at 1300 block of 9th St NW. Lookout is for 5 Subjects in a vehicle.
— DC Police Department (@DCPoliceDept) January 7, 2021
DO NOT TAKE ACTION CALL 911
Have info? Call (202) 727-9099/text 50411
The security forces inside the US Capitol building used tear gas in a four-hour operation to control the rioters. The House as well as the Senate were placed on a lockdown for safety purposes. Soon after the forces took control of the building, the lawmakers resumed the counting process.