Violent assault on US democracy - 13 January 2021

The United States Congress formally confirms the result of the presidential election on 6th January. However, events at this usually standard procedure have shocked the world.

Although Joe Biden gained a big majority, President Trump claims he has won. He repeated these false statements at a protest meeting which he held close to the White House.

Trump: "We will never give up, we will never concede. It doesn't happen, you don't concede when there's theft involved."

Trump's supporters followed his call to march to the Capitol while Congress was registering election votes. Some in the crowd had prepared for violence.

The Capitol's special police force were outnumbered by the violent mob and rioters smashed their way in.

Police successfully evacuated the Vice President and members of congress from both the Senate and House of Representatives. Rioters then broke through the doors into both chambers.

In the chaos, news crews saw their equipment destroyed. 60 police officers suffered injuries, and one later died. The officer is among five dead.

Police later received support from the National Guard. Rioters were ejected from the Capitol and Congress completed its confirmation of the election result.

Vice President Mike Pence made official remarks in Congress.

Pence: "Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of US Capitol police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled."

Nancy Pelosi, the House of Representatives Speaker, reinforced their commitment to democracy.

Pelosi: "Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris."