Supporters of outbound US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building in Washington DC on Wednesday, forcing Congress to evacuate.
The mob clashed with police, climbed walls and broke windows and doors at the Capitol Building.
At least four people died in the riots and violence. One woman died after she was shot at the Capitol, while three died in medical emergencies, sources said.
“I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!,” Donald Trump tweeted.
“Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!” he added.
Later, Twitter Inc and Facebook Inc temporarily blocked the accounts of President Donald Trump because of the latter’s claims about the US presidential elections amid riots in the capital.
Former presidents denounce violence at the Capitol.
Obama said in a statement that history will remember violence “incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election.”
Bill Clinton said, “Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country. The assault was fueled by more than four years of poison politics spreading deliberate misinformation, sowing distrust in our system, and pitting Americans against one another.”
“The match was lit by Donald Trump and his most ardent enablers, including many in Congress, to overturn the results of an election he lost. The election was free, the count was fair, the result is final. We must complete the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution mandates,” he said.
He further said, “I have always believed that America is made up of good, decent people. I still do.”
“If that’s who we really are, we must reject today’s violence, turn the page, and move forward together—honoring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he added.
Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser extended the city’s emergency declaration for another 15 days, citing the violence earlier in the day from Trump supporters who stormed the US Capitol.
“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,” she said.
