Congress: Donald Trump vows ‘orderly transition’ as Congress confirms Joe Biden win
Donald Trump has acknowledged Congress confirmation of the Electoral College count ends his term as president, at the end of a day of unprecedented violence.
The joint session of Congress to count the electoral votes has been resumed after protesters stormed the Capitol, forcing a halt to proceedings. A woman shot at close range in the Capitol has died and Joe Biden has blamed Donald Trump for fomenting the violence. Earlier, US Vice President Mike Pence, in defiance of President Donald Trump, said he would not intervene to stop the certification by Congress of Democrat Joe Biden’s election victory.
Richard Ferguson 8.20pm: Fitzgibbon hits out at Labor tweet on Trump
Labor MP Joel Fitzgibbon has slammed an official ALP tweet trying to tie Scott Morrison to US President Donald Trump in the wake of the siege of the US Capitol.
On Thursday, Australian Labor’s official Twitter account tweeted a picture of the Prime Minister and the US President saying: “It’s the company you keep.”
Mr Fitzgibbon tweeted that he did not want to be associated with the post.
“I’m a proud member of the Labor Party and remain committed to its ideals and objectives but I do not want to be associated with this tweet,” he said.
It's the company you keep. pic.twitter.com/nAOaNWnMSF
— Australian Labor (@AustralianLabor) January 6, 2021
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese earlier in the day said it was “appropriate” for prime ministers to meet the US President.
“ I’m not suggesting that. And I’d suggest that if people want to look at over the top tweets, they might start by having a look at what George Christensen, Matt Canavan, and a range of government members, including the Member for Hughes, have put out condemning, saying that the democratic election in the United States was fraudulent,” Mr Albanese told 2GB radio.
“I am responsible for my own tweets. Of course, it’s always appropriate that any Australian Prime Minister would meet with the President of the United States.”
Anne Barrowclough 7.55pm: Trump pledges ‘orderly transition’
Donald Trump has vowed there would be an “orderly transition” of power on January 20 after Congress confirmed Joe Biden’s win in the presidential election.
In a statement, Mr Trump said: “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th.
“I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again,”
Siobhan Hughes 7.50pm: Biden victory certified
Congress formally certified President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory, with politicians returning to finish the process hours after being rushed out as a mob stormed the US Capitol in a riot that resulted in one person fatally shot by Capitol Police.
Vice President Mike Pence closed out the proceedings early Thursday morning (Thursday evening AEDT), hours after police had hurried him out of the Senate chamber with rioters inside the Capitol. He read out the tally of the 538 votes from the 50 states and the District of Columbia, cementing Mr. Biden’s win with 306 electoral votes to President Trump’s 232.
The certification process is usually low-drama, but some Republicans had planned to object to electoral votes in several states that Mr. Trump lost in a last effort to support his ongoing protest of the election result. But the day’s unsettling violence, which also left furniture smashed inside the Capitol and injured police officers inside and outside, prompted some of them to recalculate. Before the riot, a handful of Republicans had objected to certifying Arizona’s electoral votes, but later Wednesday some dropped plans to pursue subsequent challenges.
By the end of the proceedings, both the House and the Senate had rejected challenges to results in Arizona and Pennsylvania, and no senators signed on to challenges in Georgia and other states.
The Wall St Journal
Anne Barrowclough 7.40pm: Congress affirms Biden win over Trump
Congress has just affirmed Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory over Donald Trump.
The counting of Vermont’s three electoral votes put Mr Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris at 306, well over the 270-threshold needed to win the presidency.
The Senate and House rejected objections to throw out Georgia and Pennsylvania’s electoral votes for Mr Biden.
Republicans also objected to Arizona, Nevada and Michigan’s electoral votes, but the motions failed before they reached debate.
Agencies 7.10pm: Congress rejects challenge to Biden’s Pennsylvania win
US legislators have rejected a second Republican-led objection to certifying electoral votes for Joe Biden, hours after a riot by Donald Trump supporters forced a delay in the process.
The Senate voted 92 to 7 against the effort to discount Pennsylvania’s 20 electoral votes and the House followed suit, albeit with more than 130 Republicans supporting the decertification bid.
With 38 states now certified, US congress moved to continue its late night process to affirm the electoral votes of all 50 states and formalise Joe Biden’s November 3 victory in the presidential election.
READ MORE: Trump knows exactly what he is doing
Rachel Baxendale 6.20pm: Victorian MP defends Trump
Victorian Liberal shadow assistant minister Bernie Finn has posted conspiracy theories suggesting “globalists, big corporations, big media, the Washington Establishment and the mad Left” are attempting to “improperly remove” Donald Trump from office, prompting calls from within the state Liberal Party for leader Michael O’Brien to sack him.
Prior to the violent scenes at the US Capitol, Mr Finn made the comments on his private Facebook page, also suggesting it was possible Mr Trump would “succumb to the aforementioned Deep State forces — but not before exposing the massive corruption undermining the American political system”.
As Trump supporters stormed the the Capitol in Washington on Thursday morning (AEDT), Mr Finn issued a second post, urging his Facebook followers to read a quote from former Republican president Ronald Reagan.
“The people of the United States would be well advised to remember these words of a very wise man and great President,” Mr Finn wrote above a picture of Reagan and an excerpt from a speech delivered in 1967, which begins “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”
“We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free,” the quote continues.
Mr Finn, who is shadow assistant minister for small business and autism, regularly courts controversy.
He refuses to stand in state parliament for the acknowledgement of indigenous elders, and last year made a bizarre joke about Premier Daniel Andrews having sex with a goat.
“What’s it got to take for Michael O’Brien to sack Bernie Finn?” one senior Liberal source said.
Asked how the state Liberal leadership team could continue to support Mr Finn, deputy leader Cindy McLeish said she had not seen Mr Finn’s Facebook posts.
“I haven’t seen his social media. I haven’t spoken to Bernie about it. I can trust that what you’ve said is accurate, and, you know it’s something that we will talk to Bernie at the appropriate time,” Ms McLeish said.
“The situation that we have in the USA is just, there’s no words for it. It’s an appalling situation.”
Contacted for comment, Mr Finn it was “not the first time” he had annoyed colleagues and probably would “not be the last”.
“I don’t support anybody who’s involved in violence, whoever they are, whether it’s Antifa or BLM or Trump supporters,” Mr Finn said
AFP 6.05pm: International press condemn violence
The chaos unleashed on the US Capitol by Donald Trump’s supporters has dominated front pages across the world, with headlines such as “Trump sets fire to Washington”, “Democracy under siege”, and “The Coup of Madness”.
For the most part the international press laid the blame squarely at the outgoing US President’s feet, accusing him of having encouraged the violence.
In Britain, “Trump supporters storm heart of American democracy” was the headline in The Times, describing how “Democrats and Republicans alike pulled on gas masks and sheltered under desks and staff hid in offices.” “Democracy under siege”, wrote The Daily Telegraph, reporting “unprecedented scenes of violence and chaos” in Washington as “hordes of Trump supporters” stormed the Capitol.
For The Guardian, it represented “the most dramatic challenge to the US democratic system since the civil war”.
“Chaos” and “shame” were words that came up again and again in the main European newspapers.
Die Welt led an editorial by its correspondent Clemens Wergin with “Day of shame for American democracy”.
“The US has experienced its first tentative violent coup d’etat”, he wrote, adding “the President, his lies, and a spineless Republican party are politically responsible”.
Süddeutsche Zeitung, under the headline “The coup of madness”, also talked of “Washington’s shame”, while in Spain, El Pais wrote that Mr Trump had “encouraged the chaos”.
The Italian daily La Repubblica went even further, drawing a parallel with Italian dictator Benito Mussolini’s ascension to power in the 1920s.
“America — all of America — watched on in horror as the equivalent of The March on Rome unfolded in Washington on live television — the invasion of the Capitol, the attack on democracy’s sacredness itself”, began Mario Platero’s article.
La Corriere della Serra delved into the profile of the Trump-supporting Proud Boys — “right-wing extremists, but also women, and young people. Called upon directly by Trump. Who then tried to dial down the pressure on television: ‘We are the party of law and order.’ But too late.”
“Trump: a strategy of chaos” was the front page of French daily Liberation, reinforcing the point in its inside pages with the title “Trump sets fire to Washington.”
In Le Figaro, columnist Philippe Gelie reflected that “Donald Trump could have come out on top — as a strong ‘president of the people’ with a contested, but not negligable, record. “Instead of that, his narcissism got the better of his dignity; he has manhandled institutions, trampled on democracy, divided his camp and thrown his presidency in a ditch.”
“The United States has fallen to the level of Latin-American countries”, was the self-deprecating observation from the Brazilian O Globo.
Agencies 5.45pm: Deputy national security adviser quits
Matt Pottinger, the White House deputy national security adviser, has resigned in protest over the violence in Washington on Thursday, according to CNN and Bloomberg.
More White House officials are considering following the long-time supporter of US President Donald Trump, the reports said.
Lindsay Wise 5.00pm: ‘The protesters are in the building’
Just after 2pm Wednesday, senators were in their chamber debating an objection to President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College win. One floor below, a mob of President Trump’s supporters, who had been amassing outside since the morning, smashed glass and pushed their way past police to gain entry to the Capitol.
At first it didn’t appear lawmakers were aware of the chaos unfolding during what is typically a ceremonial session to certify the election results. Vice President Mike Pence and two guests looked on from the gallery. Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont passed his phone back and forth to some of his Democratic colleagues, and scribbled notes to Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the No. 2 Senate Democrat, in what appeared to be growing concern.
At about 2:10pm, a hot mic in the Senate chamber picked up ominous words told to Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, the Senate pro-tem.
“The protesters are in the building.”
Mr. Grassley banged the gavel.
Soon he and Mr. Pence, who are both in the line of presidential succession, were evacuated from the chamber. Those remaining inside could hear pro-Trump rioters yelling and police screaming back, punctuated by a loud thwacking sound.
Read the full Wall St Journal story here
Anne Barrowclough 4.45pm: Senate dismisses objection to Pennsylvania count
The Senate has voted down the objection to the Pennsylvania electoral count. The objection was rejected by 92 votes to seven.
The objection was presented by Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Perry and Sen. Josh Hawley.
Pennsylvania was the final state that GOP senators planned to challenge. After the tally was announced, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he didn’t expect any more votes in the Senate.
Rachael Levy 4.35pm: Violent day of deaths, injuries, arrests
Washington police have reported four deaths, dozens of arrests and 14 police injuries tied to the unrest at the US Capitol, where a pro-Trump mob stormed both chambers of Congress.
Metropolitan Police Chief Robert J. Contee III said Wednesday night that 52 arrests resulted from the riots and from people violating the 6 pm curfew ordered by Mayor Muriel Bowser. Mr. Contee said that 26 arrests were made on US Capitol grounds.
One woman was shot by Capitol police while three other people, one woman and two men, died from medical emergencies, said Mr. Contee without providing details.
Mr. Contee added that internal affairs is investigating the fatal shooting by the Capitol police officer.
Meanwhile, 14 police officer sustained injuries, two serious.
“One suffered injuries after he was pulled into a crowd; currently hospitalized and undergoing testing for treatment for his injuries,’’ Mr. Contee said, adding that “one officer sustained facial injuries from being struck by projectile.’’ He too is hospitalized.
Men and women were charged with assault, including of police officers, and weapons offenses. Two pipe bombs were also recovered; one at the Democratic National Committee and one at the Republican National Committee.
Police also recovered six firearms and reported 47 curfew-related violations as of 9:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Police arrested 10 pro-Trump protesters during Tuesday night clashes, where three weapons were recovered along with a stun gun, Mr. Contee said.
Wall St Journal
Staff writers 4.20pm: Republic bids to overturn state results fail
A bid by Republicans to object to Michigan’s electoral results, which certified President-elect Joe Biden’s win, has failed.
The objection was raised by Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who confirmed that it was in writing but had not been signed by a senator.
Because the objection lacked the signature, Vice President Mike Pence rejected the action.
“In that case, the objection cannot be entertained,” Mr Pence said.
Mr Pence also rejected an objection presented by Republican Mo Brooks to Nevada’s electoral votes after their bid failed to include a signature from a senator.
The congressman said they objected to Nevada’s electoral votes “in order to protect the lawful votes of Nevada and all other American citizens.”
He noted, however, that “unfortunately” no senator had joined in their effort.
The House and Senate are now debating the Pennsylvania objection in a process that could take two hours.
Anne Barrowclough 3.55pm: Three people die from medical emergencies
A total of four people have died in the violence in Washington, three from separate medical emergencies, reports the Metropolitan Police Department.
“One adult female and two adult males appear to have suffered from separate medical emergencies, which resulted in their deaths. Any loss of life in the District is tragic and our thoughts are with anyone impacted by their loss,” DC Police Chief Robert Contee told reporters.
Agencies 3.35pm: House rejects objections to Arizona count
The House has joined the Senate in rejecting attempts to throw out Arizona’s votes for President-elect Joe Biden. Both chambers will soon resume counting the electoral votes. They move through the states alphabetically until they vote on the next objection, over the Pennsylvania count.
After Pennsylvania is voted on, the joint session will have to reconvene and complete counting of the ballots, a process that could still take some hours.
Anne Barrowclough 3.15pm: Shot woman ‘Trump supporter, military vet’
The woman who died after being shot in the Capitol has been identified by US media as a Trump supporter and Air Force vet.
Ashli Babbitt had travelled from California to join other Trump supporters in storming the Capitol. She was shot in the neck at close range and died shortly afterward.
Before travelling to Washington, Ms Babbitt tweeted that “nothing will stop us” and “the storm is here.”
Nothing will stop us....they can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours....dark to light!
— CommonAshSense (@Ashli_Babbitt) January 5, 2021
Ms Babbitt, who did four tours of duty during her 14 years in the military, was married and lived near San Diego, KUSI-TV reports. Her husband Arron told the local braodcaster she was a Trump supporter and a “patriot.”
Her death has not been confirmed by officials. Robin Babbitt, Mr Babbitt’s mother, told the New York Post: “I’m numb. I’m devastated. Nobody from DC notified my son and we found out on TV”.
Everything is “pretty surreal,” added Mr Babbitt’s brother, Justin. “It’s hard, because we haven’t been officially notified.”
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department said an investigation into Ms Babbit’s death was continuing.
Aruna Viswanatha 2.45pm: Capitol police ‘unprepared for violence’
Federal authorities had planned to deal with protests this week with a relatively small, minimally visible presence, according to law-enforcement officials, hoping to avoid inflaming tensions as a show of force had done during unrest last year in Portland, Oregon and other cities.
That approach seemed to have backfired on Wednesday, when thousands of pro-Trump rioters surrounded the U.S. Capitol and some easily breached the barricades and stormed the building, with one woman fatally shot by Capitol Police, according to law-enforcement officials, and other people injured. Some fired what the city’s police chief described as “chemical irritants” at officers who were guarding the complex to gain access to the building.
The small group of Capitol Police officers guarding the building as politicians began a joint session of Congress to count the 2020 electoral votes was quickly outnumbered as rioters approached the building. Once inside, they broke into politicians’ offices and roamed freely.
Yes! We must investigate the security breach at the Capitol today. I warned our Caucus and had an hour long conversation with the Chief of Police 4days ago. He assured me the terrorists would not be allowed on the plaza & Capitol secured. What the hell?
— Maxine Waters (@RepMaxineWaters) January 7, 2021
Politicians were forced to shelter in place and halt debate over the ratification of President-elect Joe Biden’s Electoral College win following rioters breaching the Capitol building.
Officials said they had expected a repeat of relatively minor scuffles between far-right and far-left factions that broke out after dark at similar protests in November.
“The Capitol Police were unprepared for the sheer size of the protest,” said David Gomez, a retired FBI executive. Once the rioters barged into the Capitol, other federal law enforcement agencies were slow to respond, either out of deference to President Trump or because of a lack of experience with dealing with riots, which isn’t their primary mission, Mr. Gomez said. “Up until they breached the Capitol, the possibility existed that it was going to be a large protest that didn’t cross those barricades. Once they did that [law enforcement personnel] were overwhelmed and couldn’t respond quickly enough,” he said.
The Wall St Journal
Anne Barrowclough 2.15pm: Senate rejects objection to Arizona count
The Senate has resoundingly rejected a Republican objection to the Arizona electoral vote.
The vote was 6 in favour, 93 against.
Republicans Paul Gosar and Ted Cruz had earlier formally objected to certifying the results from Arizona, triggering a debate capped at two hours.
A number of Republicans who had planned to object to the electoral count have changed their minds in the wake of the day’s violence, significantly shortening proceedings.
Republican Tom Reed was one of those who changed his mind, to applause from Democrats in the chamber.
“I rise to object to the challenge,” he said, crossing to the Democratic side to finish his remarks from that side.
Mr Reed said he would almost certainly disagree with Democrats on policy in the future, but “I will stand with you tonight and send a message to all Americans that what we saw today was not American.”
Sen. Graham speech on US Senate floor:
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 7, 2021
"Count me out. Enough is enough ... Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become president and vice president of the United States on Jan. 20." pic.twitter.com/06mb1b2UUx
Earlier, Trump supporter Lindsay Graham turned on the president, saying Mr Biden and Kamala Harris were lawfully elected.
“Trump and I, we’ve had a hell of a journey. I hate it to end this way. Oh my God, I hate it," Mr Graham told the chamber. “From my point of view he’s been a consequential president. But today, first thing you’ll see. All I can say, is count me out, enough is enough. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are lawfully elected and will become president and vice president of the United States on Jan. 20.”
Staff writers 2.00pm: Judiciary Committee urges Trump removal
The majority of Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday evening asking him to use the 25th amendment to remove President Trump from office, saying he instigated the violence in the Capitol.
“The world watched aghast as insurrectionists, who had been egged on by the President, threatened the safety of elected officials and staff and destroyed public property as they stormed and occupied both the House and Senate chambers bringing our democracy to a halt,” 18 committee members wrote. “At one point, the insurrectionists even removed an American flag flying at the Capitol and replaced it with a Trump flag.”
The Judiciary Committee is the panel that has the power to oversee impeachment. An increasing number of Democrats are calling for the vice president to use the 25th amendment. No Republican has joined in.
The 25th amendment says that if the vice president and a majority of the officers of the sitting Cabinet secretaries decide that the president is unable to do the duties of his office, the Vice President can immediately take on the duties of the acting president. Should such a declaration be issued, the Constitution states that the vice president would immediately assume the powers and duties as an acting president. To officially remove the president, Congress would then vote, and two-thirds of each chamber would be required to officially remove the president.
“President Trump’s willingness to incite violence and social unrest to overturn the election results by force clearly meet this standard,’’ the letter stated. “So too are his recent Tweets, which Twitter has since deleted, saying the election was ‘stolen’ and that today’s riots ‘are the things and events that happen,” the letter stated.
Wall St Journal
Anne Barrowclough 1.40pm: Senior Cabinet members discuss removing Trump
Some Cabinet members are discussing the possibility of invoking the 25th Amendment to force Donald Trump’s removal from office, replacing him with Mike Pence, according to US media.
CBS News reports members of the Cabinet are considering the 25h Amendment: pic.twitter.com/fN47wXj0G7
— The Recount (@therecount) January 7, 2021
CNN reports that some senators on the Hill are aware of the discussions but it is unlikely there would be enough Cabinet members to pass the decision.
What appears to be national guard pushing protestors back. About 100 protestors here pic.twitter.com/HaUahRIQXo
— William Turton (@WilliamTurton) January 6, 2021
Under Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, the president can be removed from office if the vice president and a majority either of the cabinet secretaries or of Congress declare in writing that he is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”
This is unlikely to be possible in the two weeks before Joe Biden’s inauguration but it demonstrates ongoing concern over Mr Trump’s state of mind.
A Trump adviser told CNN the president had “lost it” while another sid Mr Trump was seen by staff members as “unstable, ranting and raving.”
The National Association of Manufacturers, a group of business leaders that has previously supported Mr Trump backed the move, saying in a statement: “Vice President Pence … should seriously consider working with the Cabinet to invoke the 25th Amendment to preserve democracy.”
CNN is also reporting that Mr Trump claims he banned Mr Pence’s chief of staff Marc Short from the West Wing after Mr Pence resisted his demands that he overturn the election results.
Agencies 1.25pm: Mob attacks ‘fake news’ media
During today’s violence, Trump supporters attacked members of the US media, shouting
“f*** the media” as they smashed cameras and other equipment.
Crowd gathers around destroyed media equipment pic.twitter.com/l46vSGEwWa
— William Turton (@WilliamTurton) January 6, 2021
MAGA rioters stormed a group of journalists, and now actively destroying media equipment while shouting “F*ck fake newsâ€. Welcome to Donald Trump’s America. pic.twitter.com/j9JkCfKJaR
— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) January 6, 2021
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and president of the General Assembly Volkan Bozkir both condemned Wednesday’s violence at the US Capitol.
Mr Guterres, according to his spokesman Stephane Dujarric, was “saddened” by the breach of the US Capitol building by supporters of outgoing US President Donald Trump.
“In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law,” Mr Dujarric said in a statement.
Anne Barrowclough 1.10pm: Top White House aides ‘set to resign’
Several of Donald Trump’s most senior aides, including his national security adviser are reportedly considering resigning over his response to the violence at the Capitol today.
White House sources told CNN Robert O’Brien, deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger, and deputy chief of staff Chris Liddell are all considering resigning. CNN reports, Mr Pottinger’s resignation appears to be imminent.
Earlier, Mr O’Brien defended Mike Pence for defying Mr Trump and refusing to overturn the election results.
“I just spoke with Vice President Pence. He is a genuinely fine and decent man. He exhibited courage today as he did at the Capitol on 9/11 as a Congressman. I am proud to serve with him,” Mr O’Brien said.
Deputy White House Press Secretary Sarah Matthews resigned this afternoon (AEDT) over the violence. after US Capitol violence
“I was honoured to serve in the Trump administration and proud of the policies we enacted,” she said, according to Fox News. “As someone who worked in the halls of Congress I was deeply disturbed by what I saw today. I’ll be stepping down from my role, effective immediately. Our nation needs a peaceful transfer of power.”
Anne Barrowclough 12.40pm: Obama: Kidding ourselves if we treat this as surprise
Former President Barack Obama has joined the voices blaming Donald Trump for inciting the violence at the Capitol, but added: “We’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.”
Mr Obama said in a statement: “History will rightly remember today’s violence at the Capitol, incited by a sitting president who has continued to baselessly lie about the outcome of a lawful election ... But we’d be kidding ourselves if we treated it as a total surprise.”
Here’s my statement on today’s violence at the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/jLCKo2D1Ya
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) January 7, 2021
Mr Obama said the “fantasy narrative” of Mr Trump and his supporters had “spiralled further and further from reality.”
“Now we are seeing the consequences, whipped up into a violent crescendo” he said.
Anne Barrowclough 12.15pm: ‘They tried to disrupt democracy, they failed’
Mike Pence and Mitch McConnell have addressed Congress as the count resumes, with the Senate majority leader telling the gathered politicians: “The US has faced down much greater threats than the unhinged crowds” who had stormed the Capitol earlier today, disrupting proceedings.
“They tried to disrupt our democracy, they failed,” Mr McConnell said.
BREAKING: U.S. Congress returns to session to continue counting the Electoral Vote after a mob of pro-Trump rioters took control of the U.S. Capitol earlier today. https://t.co/01SywyZ7fR
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 7, 2021
The Vice President opened proceedings, saying: “We defended our Capitol today. We’ll always be grateful. The men and women who stayed at their post to defend this historic place. “Those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today, you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. This is still the people’s house. As we reconvene in this chamber, the world will again witness the resilience and strength of our democracy.”
VP Pence: "We condemn the violence that took place here in the strongest possible terms ... To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today: you did not win. Violence never wins. Freedom wins. And this is still the people's house." pic.twitter.com/reV7c6DWTY
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 7, 2021
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer laid the blame for the violence on Donald Trump.
“This temple to democracy was desecrated,” he said. ”This will be a stain on our country not so easily washed away, the final terrible indelible legacy of the 45th oresident of the United States, Undoubtedly, our worst.”
Full Senate Minority Leader Schumer speech as Senate reconvenes:
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 7, 2021
"Franklin Roosevelt set aside Dec. 7, 1941, as the day that will live in infamy. Unfortunately, we can now add Jan. 6, 2021, to that very short list of dates in American history that will live forever in infamy." pic.twitter.com/AboY92WxPV
Mr Schumer, who will become Senate leader on January 20 after Democratic victories in the Georgia runoffs gave his party control, added: “Make no mistake my friends, today’s events did not happen spontaneously.
“This President bears a great deal of the blame. This mob was in good part President Trump’s doing … his responsibility, his everlasting shame. Today’s events, certainly, certainly would have not happened without him.
“Now January 6 will go down as one of the darkest days of recent American history, a final warning to our nation about the consequences of a demagogic president,” he added.
Anne Barrowclough 11.55am: Violence fomented by Trump: Mattis
Former Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has blamed Donald Trump for the violence, telling NBC: “Today’s violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump”
Former Defense Sec. Mattis: “Today’s violent assault on our Capitol, an effort to subjugate American democracy by mob rule, was fomented by Mr. Trump. "
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 7, 2021
General Mattis, who resigned his post in January 2019, added: “Our Constitution and our Republic will overcome this stain and We the People will come together again in our never-ending effort to form a more perfect Union, while Mr. Trump will deservedly be left a man without a country.”
Former president Bill Clinton also denounced the violence, saying in a statement “Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country.”
Today we faced an unprecedented assault on our Capitol, our Constitution, and our country.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 7, 2021
Â
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 assault was fuelled 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,” Mr Clinton said.
He added that the peaceful transfer of power must be completed.
“The election was free, the count was fair, the result is final. We must complete the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution mandates.
“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 — honouring our Constitution, remaining committed to a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
I have always believed that America is made up of good, decent people. I still do.
— Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) January 7, 2021
Anne Barrowclough 11.40am: Melania’s chief of staff quits over violence
Melania Trump’s Chief of Staff has resigned in the wake of the violence, a White House official has told US media.
First lady Melania Trump's chief of staff Stephanie Grisham has resigned.
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 7, 2021
"We now are seeing a top official departing her position, resigning basically in protest because of the scene we've seen unfolding," Hallie Jackson reports. pic.twitter.com/5vkMcPZDnp
The resignation of Stephanie Grisham, a former White House communications director and press secretary, is effective immediately.
Ms Grisham has worked for the Trump campaign in a variety of roles since 2015. She became Mrs Trump’s chief aide in 2017.
Ms Grisham tweeted: “It has been an honour to serve the country in the @WhiteHouse. I am very proud to have been a part of @FLOTUS @MELANIATRUMP mission to help children everywhere, & proud of the many accomplishments of this Administration. Signing off now – you can find me at @OMGrisham.”
It has been an honor to serve the country in the @WhiteHouse . I am very proud to have been a part of @FLOTUS @MELANIATRUMP mission to help children everywhere, & proud of the many accomplishments of this Administration. Signing off now - you can find me at @OMGrisham â¤ï¸ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸
— Stephanie Grisham (@StephGrisham45) January 7, 2021
Meanwhile Vice-President Mike Pence has returned to the Senate ahead of the electoral count resuming. He never left the Capitol building, his spokesman says.
Vice President @Mike_Pence has returned to the Senate. He never left the Capitol.@VP was in regular contact w/ House & Senate leadership, Cap Police, DOJ, & DoD to facilitate efforts to secure the Capitol & reconvene Congress.
— Devin O’Malley (@VPPressSec) January 7, 2021
And now we will finish the People’s business.
A source told CNN the US Secret Service wanted Mr Pence to leave the Capitol but the Vice-President wanted to remain on site.
The source says his Secret Service detail remained with him throughout.
David Swan 11.30am: Twitter deletes Trump tweets, threatens permanent ban
Social media giant Twitter has suspended US President Donald Trump’s account for 12 hours and threatened to ban his account altogether, after he repeated disputed claims of election fraud and professed “love” for the mob of protesters who stormed the Capitol.
Twitter removed three tweets from the President, and warned that further rule violations would result in a “permanent suspension” of his Twitter account.
It comes after Facebook and YouTube moved to restrict the spread of video remarks from the President. The one minute prerecorded video was liked more than 179,000 times on the President’s Facebook page before it was removed by the tech giant.
As a result of the unprecedented and ongoing violent situation in Washington, D.C., we have required the removal of three @realDonaldTrump Tweets that were posted earlier today for repeated and severe violations of our Civic Integrity policy. https://t.co/k6OkjNG3bM
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021
Future violations of the Twitter Rules, including our Civic Integrity or Violent Threats policies, will result in permanent suspension of the @realDonaldTrump account.
— Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 7, 2021
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Anne Barrowclough 11.20am: Republican election challenger switches position
One of the Republicans planning to challenge the election results has said she has changed her mind in the wake of the “unlawful and unacceptable” violence at the Capitol.
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, a Republican from Washington state, said in a statement on Facebook: “We must have a peaceful transfer of power. The only reason for my objection was to give voice to the concern that governors and courts unilaterally changed election procedures without the will of the people and outside of the legislative process. I have been consistent in my belief that Americans should use the constitutional tools and legal processes available to seek answers to their questions about the 2020 election. What we have seen today is unlawful and unacceptable.”
Ms McMorris Rodgers added: “I have decided I will vote to uphold the Electoral College results and I encourage Donald Trump to condemn and put an end to this madness.”
David Swan 11.00am: Tech titans block Trump amid violence
Social media giants Twitter, Facebook and YouTube moved to restrict the spread of video remarks from US President Donald Trump on Thursday, after Mr Trump repeated disputed claims of election fraud and professed “love” for the mob of protesters who stormed the Capitol.
The one minute prerecorded video was liked more than 179,000 times on the President’s Facebook page before it was removed by the tech giant.
“This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump’s video,” Guy Rosen, vice president of integrity at Facebook, said in a tweet.
“We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.”
This is an emergency situation and we are taking appropriate emergency measures, including removing President Trump's video. We removed it because on balance we believe it contributes to rather than diminishes the risk of ongoing violence.
— Guy Rosen (@guyro) January 6, 2021
Meanwhile, Facebook spokesman Andy Stone said in a statement that “the violent protests in the Capitol today are a disgrace.
“We prohibit incitement and calls for violence on our platform. We are actively reviewing and removing any content that breaks these rules.”
Read the full story here
Anne Barrowclough 10.50am: Congress to resume count soon
Congressional leaders have decided to resume the electoral count from 8pm local time (12pm AEDT), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced.
Ms Pelosi said the count would resume once the Capitol was “cleared for use.”
“In consultation with Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn and after calls to the Pentagon, the Justice Department and the Vice President, we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use. Leader Hoyer will be sending out more guidance later today,” she said.
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 6, 2021
Richard Ferguson 10.40am: Payne ‘very concerned’ at violence
Foreign Minister Marise Payne has also condemned the pro-Trump siege of the US Capitol and said the transfer of power to president-elect Joe Biden must continue.
“Very concerned by scenes at the US Congress. I condemn any violence to interfere with democratic processes,” she tweeted.
“This will not impede the transfer of power, US institutions are robust & its democratic strength resides in the full breadth of its people who are no part of this violence.”
Very concerned by scenes at the US Congress. I condemn any violence to interfere with democratic processes. This will not impede the transfer of power, US institutions are robust & its democratic strength resides in the full breadth of its people who are no part of this violence.
— Marise Payne (@MarisePayne) January 6, 2021
Anne Barrowclough 10.35am: Bush: How a banana republic disputes results
Former US President George W. Bush has strongly condemned the “sickening, heartbreaking” scenes at the Capitol.
“This is how election results are disputed in a banana republic – not our democratic republic,” Mr Bush said in a statement.
Statement by former President George W Bush:
— Troy Bramston (@TroyBramston) January 6, 2021
“I am appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement.â€
Pretty clear who he’s talking about. #Capitol pic.twitter.com/xU9Rz7GeJw
Mr Bush didn’t mention Donald Trump by name, but clearly referred to him when he added: “I am appalled by the reckless behaviour of some political leaders since the election and by the lack of respect shown today for our institutions, our traditions, and our law enforcement.”
Anne Barrowclough 10.25am: Trump: Remember this day forever
Donald Trump has defended his supporters’ violence and vandalism, tweeting: “Remember this day forever!”
“These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away,” Mr Trump tweeted.
He also repeated his call for the rioters to “go home with love & in peace.”
These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long. Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Anne Barrowclough 9.55am: Woman shot in Capitol dies
A woman shot in the chest at close range inside the Capitol building has died, US media reports
NBC said several law enforcement officials had confirmed the tragedy.
BREAKING: Woman who was shot inside the US Capitol building has died, several law enforcement officials say. - @PeteWilliamsNBC pic.twitter.com/a36m02MO5U
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 6, 2021
The Washington Metropolitan Police Department also confirmed the woman’s death to CNN.
“Yes, the adult female that was shot inside of the Capitol was pronounced at an area hospital,” said MPD spokesperson Dustin Sternbeck.
BREAKING GRAPHIC CONTENT: Person shot inside the US Capitol building. Person was unarmed. Treated by police officers before being transported. No further details at this time. #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/UnJUuF1Abb
— Rise Images (@rise_images) January 6, 2021
Mr Sternbeck said additional details would be forthcoming. Meanwhile, the Sergeant-at-Arms at the Capitol has announced that the building is now secure.
Anne Barrowclough 9.50am: Washington curfew within minutes
Washington will be put under curfew from 6pm local time (10am AEDT). At least 13 people have been arrested and police have confiscated several weapons, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert Contee has told US media.
“We were looking at just above, just above 13 arrests, I should add very important note here that none of the arrest that occurred, were of DC residents, all the individuals who were arrested. All were from out of, out of the area,” he said.
Chief Contee said several officers are being treated for injuries but were continuing to work.
“We have reports about that there are several MPD officers that are, that are injured. But these officers are being tended to and still engaged in the fight to regain control of the Capitol although they are injured. They are still working and they’re working very hard to regain control of the Capitol,” he said.
Chief Contee said there were approximately “five weapons that have been recovered.”
Richard Ferguson 9.45am: Morrison condemns ‘acts of violence’
Scott Morrison has condemned the siege of the US Capitol by outgoing president Donald Trump’s supporters.
Very distressing scenes at the US Congress. We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 6, 2021
The Prime Minister on Thursday morning said the attack on Congress was distressing and he looked forward to a “peaceful transfer” to president-elect Joe Biden in two weeks.
“Very distressing scenes at the US Congress,” Mr Morrison tweeted.
“We condemn these acts of violence and look forward to a peaceful transfer of Government to the newly elected administration in the great American democratic tradition.”
Agencies 9.35am: Full transcript of Biden address
“I am sorry, not just an inconvenience, but I am sorry for the reason we have delayed — I have delayed coming out to speak to you. I initially was going to talk about the economy, but all of you — all of you have been watching what I have been watching.
“At this hour, our democracy is under unprecedented assault unlike anything we have seen in modern times; an assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself, an assault on the people’s representatives and the Capitol Hill Police sworn to protect them and the public servants who work at the heart of our Republic; an assault on the rule of law like few times we have ever seen it; an assault on the most sacred of American undertakings, the doing of the people’s business.
“Let me be very clear: The scenes and chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America, do not represent who we are. What we are seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to the lawlessness. This is not dissent; it’s disorder, it’s chaos. It borders on sedition, and it must end now.
President-elect Biden addresses the nation: https://t.co/BXM3SZK25R
— Biden-Harris Presidential Transition (@Transition46) January 6, 2021
“I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward. You have heard me say before in different context — the words of a president matter, no matter how good or bad that president is. At their best, the words of a president can inspire; at their worst, they can incite.
“Therefore, I call on President Trump to go on national television now to fulfil his oath and defend the Constitution and demand an end to this siege.
“To storm the Capitol, to smash windows, to occupy offices, to swarm the United States Senate rummaging through desks on the Capitol, on the House of Representatives, threatening the safety of duly elected officials — it’s not protest; it is insurrection.
“The world is watching. Like so many other Americans, I am genuinely shocked and saddened that our nation, so long the beacon of light and hope for democracy, has come to such a dark moment.
“Through war and strife, America has endured much, and we will endure here, and we will prevail again, and we will prevail now. The work of the moment and the work of the next four years must be the restoration of democracy, of decency, honour, respect, the rule of law, just plain simple decency. The renewal of politics it is about solving problems, looking out for one another, not stoking the flames of hate and chaos.
Let me be very clear: the scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not represent who we are. What we are seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, it's disorder. It borders on sedition, and it must end. Now.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021
“As I said, America is about honour, decency, respect, tolerance. That is who we are; that is who we have always been. The certification of the Electoral College vote is supposed to be a sacred ritual to affirm … the majesty of American democracy, but today is a reminder, a painful one, that democracy is fragile and to preserve it requires people of goodwill, leaders who have the courage to stand up, who are devoted not to the pursuit of power but with personal interest pursuits of their own selfish interests at any cost but of the common good.
“Think what our children watching television are thinking. Think with the rest of the world is looking at. For nearly two and a half centuries, we, the people in search of a more perfect union, have kept our eyes on that common good. America is so much better than what we see today.
“Watching the scenes from the Capitol, I was reminded, as I prepared other speeches in the past, was reminded of the words of Abraham Lincoln in his annual message to Congress, whose work has today been interrupted by chaos.
“Here is what Lincoln said, he said: “we shall nobly save or merely lose the last best hope on earth.” Went on to say “the way is plain, peaceful, generous, just, a way which if followed the world will forever applaud, and God must forever bless.” The way is plain here too. That is who we are. It is the way of democracy, of respect, of decency, of honour and commitment as patriots to this nation.
“Notwithstanding what I saw today, and we are seeing today, I remain optimistic about the incredible opportunities. There has never been anything we can’t do when we do it together, and this god-awful display today is bringing home to every Republican and Democrat and independent in the nation that we must step up.
“This is the United States of America. There has never ever ever ever ever been a thing we have tried to do that when we have done it together we have not been able to do it.
So President Trump, step up.
May God bless America. May God protect our troops and all of those folks in the Capitol who are trying to preserve order. Thank you, and I am sorry to have kept you waiting.
Anne Barrowclough 9.30am: Aides ‘begged' Trump to order protesters home
White House staffers had to “beg” Donald Trump to go on television to order protesters home, CNN reports.
Aides were “horrified” by the scenes on Capitol Hill and asked the President to deploy the National Guard to the Capitol. Unnamed aides told CNN Mr Trump was not up to the job of calming the situation, only of fanning the flames of violence.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
Rebecca Ballhaus 9.15am: Suspicious device at GOP, Dem headquarters
Law enforcement has identified suspicious packages at the headquarters of both the Republican and Democratic National Committees on Wednesday and ordered both buildings evacuated, according to officials for both parties.
The device found at the RNC was detonated by a bomb squad, an RNC official said. A DNC spokesman said the party was working with Capitol Police and that essential personnel had been evacuated.
Most RNC officials weren’t in the building because the annual winter meeting is set to be held later this week in Florida.
Law enforcement identified the device around midday, hours before a pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol, where politicians were meeting to certify Joe Biden’s Electoral College victory.
The discovery of the devices was earlier reported by the New York Times.
Both parties’ headquarters are located blocks from the Capitol.
The Wall St Journal
Anne Barrowclough 9.05am: Riot police move mob away
Riot police are now moving the mob away from the Capitol building. US television is showing a line of armed police forcing the protesters away from the building. However the police are outnumbered by protesters and there are fears of increased violence as night falls.
LIVE: More police officers gathering on steps of the U.S. Capitol; smoke and flashes seen deployed. https://t.co/01SywyZ7fR
— NBC News (@NBCNews) January 6, 2021
Congressional leaders have evacuated from the Capitol complex and will be taken to Fort McNair, a federal law enforcement official told CNN. It is uncertain when the joint session will resume to certify Joe Biden’s win. Congress had certified only two states – Alabama and Alaska before protesters stormed the building.
Cameron McWhirter 8.55am: Democrats take control of Senate
Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff defeated Republican David Perdue for a seat in the US Senate, where he’ll join fellow newly elected Democrat Raphael Warnock and give their party control of the chamber.
The Associated Press declared both men had won their races. The pair of upset victories will put Democrats in control of both chambers of Congress for the first time in a decade.
Mr. Ossoff, a documentary filmmaker, beat Mr. Perdue, who was first elected senator in 2014. Mr. Perdue’s term expired Jan. 3. Mr. Warnock, the pastor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s former church, defeated Sen. Kelly Loeffler earlier in the day, the AP projected. Ms Loeffler was appointed a year ago to fill the seat of GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson, who resigned for health reasons.
Read the full story here
Richard Ferguson 8.50am: Albanese canes ‘assault on democracy’
Anthony Albanese has labelled the US Capitol siege an “assault on democracy” and called on US President Donald Trump to stop his supporters.
The Opposition Leader – who late last year demanded Scott Morrison tell the outgoing president to accept his election defeat – said Mr Trump was to blame for the violence.
Democracy is precious and cannot be taken for granted - the violent insurrection in Washington is an assault on the rule of law and democracy. Donald Trump has encouraged this response and must now call on his supporters to stand down. https://t.co/h8uHrgJuVN
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) January 6, 2021
“Democracy is precious and cannot be taken for granted – the violent insurrection in Washington is an assault on the rule of law and democracy,” Mr Albanese tweeted.
“Donald Trump has encouraged this response and must now call on his supporters to stand down.”
Anne Barrowclough 8.35am: Boris lashes ‘disgraceful’ scenes
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described the violence at the Capitol as “disgraceful,” calling for a peaceful transfer of power.
Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021
“Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress,” Mr Johnson tweeted.
“The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power,” he added.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also condemned the scenes.
“The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy,” she tweeted.
The scenes from the Capitol are utterly horrifying. Solidarity with those in 🇺🇸 on the side of democracy and the peaceful and constitutional transfer of power. Shame on those who have incited this attack on democracy.
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) January 6, 2021
Anne Barrowclough 8.25am: Trump tells supporters: go home now
Donald Trump has addressed his supporters, asking them to go home but reiterated his message that the election was stolen from him.
“I know your pain, but you have to go home now,” he said. “We have to have peace, we have to have law and order”.
He repeated his false claims that the election had been illegal, saying: “It’s a very tough period of time when they can take it away from all of us but we can’t play into their hands. Go home, we love you.”
Anne Barrowclough 8.15am: Biden: this isn’t a protest, it’s an insurrection
President-elect Joe Biden has condemned the “insurrection” at the Capitol and called on Donald Trump to end it.
In a televised address from Wilmington, Delaware, Mr Biden told the nation: “Our democracy is under threat unlike anything we’ve seen in modern times. An assault on the people’s representatives and the Capitol police sworn to protect them.”
The scenes of violence “do not represent America,” he said.
“This is not dissent, it’s disorder, chaos, it’s sedition and it must end now.”
He laid the blame at the President’s feet for the mob violence, saying: “At best the words of a president can inspire, at worst they can incite”
He called on Mr Trump to “step up” and call the protesters off: “I call on President Trump to go on TV now and fulfil his oath and defend the constitution; end this siege. This is not a protest, it’s insurrection,” he said. .
Anne Barrowclough 7.55am: Ivanka Trump calls protesters ‘American patriots’
Ivanka Trump has described the rioters as “American patriots” in a tweet, before deleting the message. “American Patriots, any security breach or disrespect to our law enforcement is unacceptable,” she tweeted.
@IvankaTrump this is your fathers doing. This will be the legacy of your family name. pic.twitter.com/5GA2TI6uOh
— Mike (@Mike98252805) January 6, 2021
Meanwhile House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Schumer have called on Mr Trump to urge protesters to leave the building.
“We are calling on President Trump to demand that all protesters leave the US Capitol and Capitol Grounds immediately,” they said.
Anne Barrowclough 7.45am: Woman in critical condition after being shot
A woman is in critical condition after being shot in the chest at close range during the protests.
From colleague Lillian LeCroy: Fox News has learned that a shooting victim was transported from the US Capitol about 30 minutes ago. No other details yet.
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) January 6, 2021
It is still uncertain whether she was shot by law enforcement officers or protesters, but a number of police officers have also been injured, with at least one taken to hospital. The entire National Guard is set to be deployed within hours.
Trump supporters have broken the glass of a window at the Capitol building and climbed through the shattered glass.
CNN’s Dana Bash reported: “We’re actually looking at video right now of these anarchists ... these people who were involved in this insurrection. They broke the glass in the United States Capitol and now they are climbing through the window.”
Agencies 7.25am: ‘Close to a coup attempt as this country has ever seen’
Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger has described the scenes at the Capitol as near to a “coup attempt,” and told CNN Donald Trump’s calls for peace were not nearly enough to absolve him from blame.
“You are not protecting the country,” Mr. Kinzinger said on Twitter in response to a tweet from Mr. Trump. “Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster.”
Mr. Kinzinger has been one of the few Republicans in office to criticise conspiracy theorists and Mr Trump himself. He also tweeted: “Republicans, how is this not like Antifa? This is a coup attempt.”
You are not protecting the country. Where is the DC guard? You are done and your legacy will be a disaster. https://t.co/7jWYWE7TVj
— Adam Kinzinger (@RepKinzinger) January 6, 2021
Charles Ramsey, the former chief of the DC Metropolitan Police, also described the protests “as close to a coup attempt as this country has ever seen.”
Asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper what Mr Trump should do, Mr Ramsey said: “What I would want the President to do is shut the hell up and get out of the way.”
“I mean, the guy is — he’s like a cancer, you know,” Mr Ramsey added.
“He stirred them up and got the whole thing going. This is as close to a coup attempt as this country has ever seen. That’s what you’re looking at, folks, that’s what you’re looking at and it’s absolutely ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous, and a lot of people are responsible for this.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told Fox News that he heard on Capitol Police radio that shots had been fired.
“People are being hurt, there are shots that have been fired, this is unacceptable,” he said. He said he had contacted President Trump to ask him to issue a statement to calm the protesters.
“I am with Capitol Police and I heard on the radio, ‘Shots fired,’ “ he said, adding it was at approximately 3pm.
“This is un-American what is going on and it has to stop,” he said.
Anne Barrowclough 7.10am: Trump urges protesters to be peaceful
Donald Trump has called for protesters to remain peaceful and respect police officers and other law enforcement officers.
“I am asking 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!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!” he tweeted.
Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
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 J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
His tweets came after a protester has breached the Senate floor and taken the Speaker’s chair, while a policeman has been heard inside the Capitol building calling for help and more officers.
Uniformed officers are now armed with assault rifles and patrolling the grounds.
CNN reports that after Donald Trump returned to the White House following his rally earlier, the Marine guard was present outside of the West Wing. That Marine has since gone inside, indicating that Mr Trump is not currently in the Oval Office.
AFP 6.45am: House and Senate in recess, US Capitol on lockdown amid protests
So the US House and Senate are forced into emergency recess after protesters supportive of outgoing President Donald Trump breached security cordons and entered the Capitol building after clashing with police.
“Without objection the chair declares the House in recess,” congressman Jim McGovern said, banging down the gavel as loud shouts and disturbances could be heard in the public galleries in the chamber.
Officials at the US Capitol declared a lockdown, and politicians said on Twitter that they were sheltering in place in their offices, as protesters — some of them holding Trump flags
— were seen walking through the building
Cameron Stewart 6.30am: Police evacuate US Congress offices amid clashes with pro-Trump protesters
The US Capitol is under a dramatic siege as thousands of pro-Trump protesters stormed the building. The drama forced the adjournment of a Congressional debate over Joe Biden’s election victory as America’s political leaders took refuge amid fears for their safety.
The situation is becoming increasingly tense, as Capitol Police struggled to take back control of the seat of American political power.
Protesters raced up the outside stairs of the building and then breached security.
The protesters marched on the Capitol at the urging of the president who earlier delivered a fiery speech urging them to march on the building.
Australians are waking up to stunning scenes in Washington. Trump supporters have stormed the Capitol Building - with leaders inside - after Trump urged them to march on it. @australian @abcnews #auspol https://t.co/lAGmq5UDux
— cameron stewart (@camstewarttheoz) January 6, 2021
Earlier Vice President Mike Pence has rejected Donald Trump’s call to unilaterally overturn the results of Joe Biden’s election win in Congress.
The decision ends the president’s final option to override the will of American voters and serve a second term in office.
Congress is debating objections to the electoral college results by a minority group of Republican senators and congressmen but the moves will fail when votes are taken later Thursday (AEDT).
Just evacuated my office in Cannon due to a nearby threat. Now we’re seeing protesters assaulting Capitol Police.
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) January 6, 2021
This is wrong. This is not who we are. I’m heartbroken for our nation today. pic.twitter.com/jC9P0YfSLQ
5.45am Trump vows ‘we will never concede’
Earlier President Trump said he would never concede and implored Vice President Mike Pence and Republicans to work to overturn the election results, a last stand as Congress is poised to certify Joe Biden the 46th president.
“We will never give up, we will never concede,” Mr Trump said to a large crowd gathered on the Ellipse near the White House. “You don’t concede when there is theft involved.” Mr Trump and allies have not presented evidence of widespread fraud and have suffered dozens of court defeats seeking to overturn results.
Dressed in an overcoat and black gloves, Mr Trump gave a speech similar to those of his rallies, touching on what he sees as accomplishments of his term in office, while asserting Mr Biden would work to undo his “America first” approach.
In his address the president pledged to fight what he called massive election fraud saying “we will never give up and never concede, we will stop the steal.”
He pressured Mr Pence to use his powers, as the presiding officer of the electoral college vote count, to reject the certification of Biden’s victory.
“Mike Pence, I hope you’re going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and for the good of our country. And if you’re not, I’m going to be very disappointed in you,” Trump said. “I hope Mike has the courage to do what he has to do and I hope he doesn’t listen to the RINOs and the stupid people that he’s listening to.’’
Moments later news broke that Pence, who has been the president’s most loyal supporter, would not back him.
“It is my considered judgment that my oath to support and defend the Constitution constrains me from claiming unilateral authority to determine which electoral votes should be counted and which should not,” Mr Pence said in a letter to Congress.
Although Mr Pence said he shared concerns about the integrity of the election, he noted that ‘no vice president in American history has ever asserted such authority’ to override the will of the people.
In his speech, Mr Trump urged his supporters to march on the Capitol Building and rise up against what he called the ‘criminal enterprise’ that had stolen the election which he said he had won in a ‘landslide.’
‘We do not want to see our election victory stolen by radical left Democrats, that’s what they’re doing, and stolen by the fake news media, that’s what they’ve done and what they’re doing,” Trump said as the crowd cheered ‘we want Trump.’
“Our country has had enough, we will not take it anymore ... You can take Third World countries, their elections are more honest that what we’ve been going through in this country. It’s a disgrace … there’s never been anything like this, we will not let them silence your voices.’
The president attacked as ‘weak’ and ‘pathetic’ those Republicans who did not support the attempts by a minority group of Republicans to block the certification of the Biden win.
Natalie Andrews 5.30am: Congress moves to debate Arizona results
After certifying the votes of a handful of states, Arizona GOP Rep. Paul Gosar and Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas) objected to counting the results from Arizona that stated that Vice President Joe Biden had won the state.
Mr. Gosar, with Mr. Cruz standing next to him, said he was joined by 60 of his colleagues. There was applause from the Republican side of the room.
Congress is now expected to divide into its respective chambers and debate for a maximum of two hours on the matter. — The Wall Street Journal
AFP 5.15am: Congress begins certifying Biden win, Republicans object
US Vice President Mike Pence has opened a joint session of Congress to certify Joe Biden’s presidential victory, but Republicans quickly lodged an objection, pausing the count of electoral votes.
Moments after the start of the session, the final procedural step to confirm Biden’s win over President Donald Trump, congressman Paul Gosar stood up to “object to the counting of the electoral ballots from Arizona.” The Republican effort is all but certain to fail, as Trump loyalists lack sufficient support in the House and Senate to thwart certification of the veteran Democrat’s November 3 election win.
Gosar’s move, which drew boos and applause, triggered a two-hour debate in each chamber, but the objection is expected to be voted down before the certification process continues.
Alex Leary 5am: Pence Rejects Calls to Overturn Results
Vice President Mike Pence said he does not have authority to overturn the will of voters, rejecting pressure from President Trump and some Republicans to do so.
“The presidency belongs to the American people, and to them alone,” Mr. Pence wrote in a letter released just before he was to preside over a joint session of Congress to ratify Joe Biden’s electoral college victory.
Invoking the framers of the Constitution, Mr. Pence wrote: “Vesting the Vice President with unilateral authority to decide presidential contests would be entirely antithetical to that design ... I do not believe that the Founders of our country intended to invest the Vice President with unilateral authority to decide which electoral votes should be counted during the Joint Session of Congress and no Vice President in American history has ever asserted such authority.”
As the letter was released, Mr Trump was still speaking at a rally near the White House, repeatedly calling on the vice president to act.
Congress prepared for hours of tense debate as a joint session of Congress kicked off, with some Republicans planning to challenge the ratification of Democrat Joe Biden’s Electoral College win and supporters of President Trump converging on the city for protests.
Mr Trump and his allies are set to make their last-ditch stand after two months of efforts to persuade state officials and courts to reverse his loss fell short. They are turning to Congress to try to toss out several states’ electoral votes. While testing the robustness of the Electoral College, the push has also exposed fault lines within the GOP.
“We will never give up, we will never concede,” Mr. Trump told supporters gathered on the Ellipse near the White House around noon, as he implored Mr Pence and Republicans to work to overturn the election results. “You don’t concede when there is theft involved.”
He also has lashed out at Republicans including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.), who have acknowledged Mr. Biden as the winner, calling them Republicans in name only.
However, Mr. Pence, in a statement released right before the start of the session, said he doesn’t have authority to overturn the will of the voters, rejecting pressure from Mr Trump.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia certified their results last month. Usually the process of counting the electoral votes in Congress two weeks before the inauguration is little more than a perfunctory ceremony, lasting less than half an hour. But on Wednesday scores of Republicans in the House and 13 in the Senate are expected to object to counting at least three states’ tallies: Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania.
Under an 1887 law, any such objection — as long as it is backed by one House member and one senator — triggers two hours of debate in each chamber. Then politicians vote on whether to reject the Electoral College votes of the state in question.
It is virtually certain, however, that Wednesday’s challenges won’t succeed in either the Democratic-controlled House or the GOP-run Senate, where party leaders have opposed the effort and more Republicans say they won’t join in. Both chambers would have to agree to disqualify a state’s votes.
The joint session convened in the House chambers at 1pm, and Mr. Pence is presiding in his role as president of the Senate. He doesn’t have the power to unilaterally alter the results, but the president and some of his most ardent loyalists are demanding more aggressive action. A senior administration official said Mr. Pence “will follow the law and uphold the Constitution.”
President Trump has blamed voter fraud for his defeat, but no significant evidence emerged that would challenge the result. Then-Attorney-General William Barr said last month the Justice Department hadn’t found evidence of widespread voter fraud that could reverse Mr. Biden’s election victory.
Once the chambers break up to debate an objection raised by a House and Senate politician, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.) will preside over the House, according to a senior Democratic aide.
Mrs. Pelosi has tapped Democratic Reps. Adam Schiff and Zoe Lofgren, both of California, and Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Joe Neguse of Colorado to lead the party’s response during House sessions, the aide said. Other speakers are expected to come mainly from the delegations of the states facing objections to their electoral votes.
In the Senate, the Republican Majority Leader, Mr. McConnell, plans to be the first senator to speak during the debate over the first objection filed, said a person familiar with his plans. Mr. McConnell has warned his fellow Republicans for weeks against forcing a futile vote to overturn Mr. Biden’s win, arguing GOP senators running for re-election two years from now would be poorly positioned. He has described Wednesday’s vote privately as one of the most consequential of his career.
“I think the gambit we’re seeing today is very disappointing,” Sen. Mitt Romney (R., Utah) told Capitol Hill reporters Wednesday. “President Trump has disrespected the American voters, has dishonoured the election system and has disgraced the office of the presidency. I’m confident we’ll proceed as the constitution demands and tell our supporters the truth, whether or not they want to hear it.”
For Sen. Chris Murphy (D., Conn.), Wednesday will be “a really heavy day,” he said in an interview.
“I’m not looking forward to it,” Mr. Murphy said, adding that Democratic politicians will be prepared to debunk any specific allegations of fraud raised by Republican objectors. He said Democrats’ expectation is that a number of GOP senators will join them to counter the objectors’ arguments. He plans to speak in response to the second objection. “This will be a pretty bipartisan rebuttal of these insurrectionists’ claims,” Mr. Murphy said.
Among the Republicans who plan to speak is Sen. Pat Toomey, who will defend the legitimacy of the electoral votes from his home commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
“There’s a really important issue here, which is, does Congress have the constitutional authority and responsibility to sit in judgment of the various state-election processes? And I think the very clear unambiguous answer is no, we do not,” Mr. Toomey said on WSBA radio Tuesday.
He said the Constitution gives the states the responsibility for conducting elections. He criticised GOP colleagues who he said are suggesting that Congress should be in the position of deciding which states get to vote and which don’t in the Electoral College.
“First of all, that’s completely unconstitutional,” Mr. Toomey said, “but secondly, that would be the end of the Electoral College. I mean, let’s be clear: If Congress gets to decide which states vote and which ones don’t, that means Congress picks the president. The American people don’t want Congress picking the president. They want to have an election in which they pick.”
Republican senators leading Wednesday’s challenges have shied away from saying that their intention is to keep Mr. Trump in office for another four years, even though Mr. Trump has made it clear that is his own goal.
“I have a very large number of people in my state that are saying, I know we can’t overturn an election, we shouldn’t overturn it. What can we do?,” said Sen. James Lankford (R., Okla.).
Mr. Lankford said he and the other GOP objectors in the Senate are trying to figure out the best way to address their constituents’ distrust in the election results in a way that is consistent with the Constitution. “There really are millions of people around the country that really feel like something went sideways in this election,” he said. “And their perception is there’s a whole group in the political class, in the media class that are telling them sit down and shut up. They don’t like being told to sit down and shut up.”
The Wall Street Journal
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