WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information.
Sign up for our newsletters
to stay up to date on the stories that matter.
Pro-Trump extremists breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday as a joint session of Congress began the process of certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s win in the Electoral College. As authorities put the building on lockdown and told lawmakers and others to shelter in place, the astonishing scenes sparked condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans.
Earlier in the day, Trump appeared at a rally with supporters and said, “If you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.” The president then encouraged them to head to the Capitol.
Biden criticized the president, saying words matter, and he urged Trump to deliver a national address to the nation. The White House then released a recorded video in which Trump reiterated the baseless claim the election was stolen, but also told the mob to go home.
Supporters of President Donald Trump stand inside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. John Minchillo / Associated Press
Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., center, and other lawmakers prepare to evacuate the floor as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press
Lawmakers prepare to evacuate the the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber. Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
Inside the House Chamber as Lawmakers prepare to evacuate the floor as protesters try to break in. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press
People are evacuated from the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press
U.S. Capitol Police with guns drawn watch as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol. J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press
A flag hangs between broken windows after President Donald Trump supporters broke through police barriers outside the U.S. Capitol. John Minchillo / Associated Press
Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol. Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press
Smoke fills the walkway outside the Senate Chamber as supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by U.S. Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol. Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press
Police stand outside the Capitol after a day of rioting Trump supporters at the Capitol in Washington. Julio Cortez / Associated Press
