Democracy Is Under Assault

A MOB stormed the heart of the US government yesterday, demanding politicians reverse Donald Trump’s election defeat.

- Christopher Bucktin and Dan Townend

In astonishing scenes, a woman protester was fighting for her life after she was shot inside the Capitol building while others, including officers, were injured in the chaos. An explosive device was also found.

Police fired pepper spray and tear gas and evacuated top politicians as protesters rampaged through the main legislative house in Washington DC.

Intruders marched through the halls of Congress, where lawmakers were meeting to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Protestors who had broken in through a window fought with police inside the building.

Police told lawmakers in the House to take gas masks from beneath their seats and prepare to put them on.

Mr Biden last night said that democracy was “under an unprecedented assault”, adding: “The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not represent who we are. This is not dissent, this is disorder. This is not protest, this is insurrection.”

A police source said that at least one explosive device had been found in the grounds of the Capitol. The FBI were also deployed to assist with protecting public safety.

A number of officers were injured in the violence with at least one taken to hospital. Police and Secret Service officers escorted House of Representatives members from the chamber, including Vice President Mike Pence and Speaker Nancy Pelosi.