The Washington PostDemocracy Dies in Darkness
Trump supporters overtook Capitol Police officers to enter the building as lawmakers attempted to count the electoral college votes on Jan. 6. (Video: The Washington Post)

Woman dies after shooting in U.S. Capitol; D.C. National Guard activated after mob breaches building

January 7, 2021 at 12:52 a.m. EST
By

This coverage has ended. Follow here for Thursday’s updates.

A day that began with thousands of President Trump’s supporters in Washington for demonstrations turned violent as many in attendance saw Wednesday as a last stand for Trump because Congress was set to confirm that President-elect Joe Biden won the election.  

The latest developments

  • The Senate stopped its proceedings, with Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) interrupted by an aide who said protesters were in the building. The House doors also were closed. In a notification, U.S. Capitol Police said no entry or exit is permitted in the buildings within the Capitol Complex. “Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover,” police said.
  • A woman was fatally shot inside the U.S. Capitol after the mob breached the building. The circumstances were not clear.
  • The entire D.C. National Guard was activated. The rapid expansion of military involvement came after D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) requested that guards members already on duty be sent to the Capitol, said a defense official and a District official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
  • In a televised speech, Biden condemned Trump for stoking the violence. “I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward,” he said.
  • Bowser imposed a citywide curfew as a chaotic scene worsened at the U.S. Capitol building. From 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, Bowser said no one other than essential personnel would be allowed outdoors in the city.
Skip to end of carousel
The Senate stopped its proceedings, with Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) interrupted by an aide who said protesters were in the building. The House doors also were closed. In a notification, U.S. Capitol Police said no entry or exit is permitted in the buildings within the Capitol Complex. “Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover,” police said.
A woman was fatally shot inside the U.S. Capitol after the mob breached the building. The circumstances were not clear.
The entire D.C. National Guard was activated. The rapid expansion of military involvement came after D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D) requested that guards members already on duty be sent to the Capitol, said a defense official and a District official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.
In a televised speech, Biden condemned Trump for stoking the violence. “I call on this mob to pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward,” he said.
Bowser imposed a citywide curfew as a chaotic scene worsened at the U.S. Capitol building. From 6 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday, Bowser said no one other than essential personnel would be allowed outdoors in the city.

1/5

End of carousel
Live contributors
Skip to end of carousel
WashingtonPost Staff
End of carousel

Election 2020: Biden defeats Trump

The latest: Congress affirms Biden’s presidential win following riot at U.S. Capitol

Graphic: How members of Congress voted on counting the electoral college vote

Live updates: Trump pledges ‘orderly transition’ after Biden is declared winner at the end of a violent day

25th Amendment: Senior officials have discussed removing Trump. Here’s how that could work.

Election results under attack: Here are the facts

Full election results

Loading...