The day on which Congress had to certify the victory of Democrat Joe Biden in the November elections became a day of chaos and violence in which it was necessary to interrupt the process that normally marks the end of the electoral cycle.
Supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol this Wednesday (the seat of Congress
The assault on the building lasted for hours and was carried out in Washington DC) while the process of certifying the votes of the elections of last November 3 was being carried out. ) left at least one fatality , a woman who was shot in the chest whose identity was not made public.
The Washington DC Metropolitan Police reported that she did 13 arrests and seized five weapons of fire.
The unusual events aroused reactions of rejection or inside and outside the United States.
Trump asked his supporters to go home, although he insisted on his unfounded accusations of electoral fraud.
For his part, president-elect Biden demanded that those who caused the disturbances immediately withdraw and allow democracy to function.
In the evening, Congress resumed its session after the Capitol was vacated and secured.
At BBC Mundo we review the events of this convulsive January 6.
March to the Capitol
After a massive rally in front of the White House in which Donald Trump also participated, hundreds of protesters marched to the Capitol to denounce what consider an electoral fraud of which there is no evidence and that has been rejected by judges in all instances.
After confronting the police on the outskirts of the building, some managed enter the l enclosure , which led to the suspension of the legislators’ sessions and blocking access to the halls of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The two houses of Congress were beginning at that time a joint session to certify the votes cast by the Electoral College last 18, which proclaimed Biden president-elect.
The event, which is usually a mere ceremony, had generated great expectation this year, not only because of Trump’s refusal to accept his defeat, but because of the determination of some Republican legislators to object the process.
Eviction from the hemicycle
While law enforcement tried to control the situation, legislators took refuge in their offices and Vice President Mike Pence , who was chairing the certification session, was moved to a safe place.
Videos posted by journalists on social networks showed clashes between guards and protesters in the halls of the Capitol .
In images disseminated on the internet, you could see the extremist supporters of the president inside the Senate hemicycle .
BREAKING: revolution in process as Trump supporters break into the Capitol building, attacking police, breaking windows, and knocking down doors
Full anarchy at this “mostly peaceful” demonstration DC
The people have pushed through & are storming to main chambers pic.twitter.com/NW6VDDNBQw
– ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) January 6, 2021
The alca ldesa of Washington DC announced a curfew which came into effect on the 23: 10 local time
What was Trump’s reaction
Initially, President Trump made calls for peace through Twitter.
“Please support our Capitol Police and law enforcement. They really are on the side of our country. Keep the peace! ”He wrote.
