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(CNN) – The United States Capitol remains closed after registering a tense situation with protesters supporting Donald Trump on the outskirts of the building, according to Capitol police officers.
Congress is currently in session to count and certify the Electoral College votes for president and vice president.
“Due to an INTERNAL threat in the building, take refuge in the nearest office and remain silent”, was the message transmitted in the middle of the emergency.
Capitol Hill Police are also preventing anyone from moving from the Senate office buildings to the United States Capitol building. There are underground tunnels linking these offices to the Capitol that senators, staff, and journalists use to travel to and from.
However, despite efforts to contain the situation, the Pro-Trump protesters broke through the barriers placed along the perimeter of the US Capitol building. They fought the officers in full riot gear, and some called the officers “traitors” for doing their job.
ONLY IN – Protesters are fighting with the Secret Service and Capitol Police inside the United States Capitol.pic.twitter.com/ziveA5kBJ8
– Disclose.tv 🚨 (@disclosetv) January 6, 2021
Protesters could be seen pushing against the metal fences and police using the fences to push the protesters back, while other officers leaned over people trying to cross their lines.
Explosions were heard near the Capitol steps as smoke filled the air. In some cases, officers could be seen applying pepper spray.
There was also a tear gas explosion, but it is not clear whether the protesters or the police did.
Trump supporters chanted “United States” and waved American flags, as well as flags that read “Don’t step on me”.
The Capitol Police is requesting additional assistance from law enforcement, including federal authorities, according to a family source.
The source said there are several suspicious devices outside the Capitol.
The demonstrations began to gather with greater intensity after a tweet made by the US president, targeting Vice President Mike Pence by assuring that “he did not have the courage to do what he should have done to protect our country and Constitution.”
“The United States demands the truth,” he added in the publication.
Mike Pence did not have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our Constitution, giving states the opportunity to certify a set of corrected facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones they were asked to pre-certify. America demands the truth!
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
However, and within minutes of seeing the riots inside the building, Trump made a call to support the Capitol Police since “they are really on our side of the country. Be peaceful, “he said.
Please support our Capitol Police and law enforcement. They really are on the side of our country. Keep in peace!
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021
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