Messages from reporters inside the U.S. Capitol paint a picture of absolute chaos, as pro-Trump protestors have stormed the building and entered the Senate chambers.
Reports say that security and law enforcement is barricading the chamber and evacuating everyone inside.
It was a joint session of lawmakers meeting to essentially certify the electoral college votes from the presidential election, but as it started, Capitol Police and Washington Metro police in the area lost control.
Republicans and Democrats are urging President Trump to call for calm, which he has yet to do. At 2:38 PM ET, Trump tweeted: “Please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement. They are truly on the side of our Country. Stay peaceful.”
There are images and video of protesters clashing with the police inside the U.S. Capitol as they marched through Statuary Hall.
As of 3 p.m. ET, police officers had their guns drawn as protestors aggressively tried to advance inside the Capitol building.
Vice President Mike Pence has been evacuated. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the Washington, D.C. mayor are both calling for the National Guard to be called in.
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