Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn America’s presidential election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Trump in the White House.
As both chambers in Congress debated the votes Wednesday afternoon, pro-Trump supporters gathered outside the Capitol. Before the confirmation could finish, a mob broke through the police barrier and entered the Capitol, causing lawmakers to evacuate and Capitol Police to impose a lockdown. Looters ransacked congressional offices, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s, and desks in the Senate. One woman was fatally shot.
Capitol Police eventually cleared out the rioters, and Congress reconvened Wednesday night to confirm Biden’s win.
Biden is calling the violent group that descended on the Capitol “domestic terrorists” and laying the blame for the violence squarely at President Donald Trump’s feet.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., has called for Trump to be removed from office via the 25th Amendment. Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY., soon to be the majority leader, is also insisting the Cabinet invoke the 25th Amendment, adding that if it is not then Trump should be impeached.
The inauguration is set for Jan. 20.
