Trump calls for rioters to 'stay peaceful' after encouraging them to storm Capitol
President Donald Trump told his millions of followers to “stay peaceful” after encouraging his supporters to march on the U.S. Capitol in a speech at the National Mall, leading to bedlam at the building after supporters broke in.
On Wednesday, the president tweeted that people should “support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement” amid full-fledged chaos breaking out at the Capitol.
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
Trump sent his tweets on the heels of dozens of his supporters storming the Capitol grounds, forcing members of Congress to either evacuate or shelter in place.
The president did not send any other tweet indicating that the rioters should stop or retreat.
Multiple reports indicated that shots were fired in the House chamber and that glass doors were shattered. Videos posted to Twitter revealed supporters angrily chanting and carrying Confederate flags.
They’re shooting into the chamber. pic.twitter.com/l9owW7BAVt
— Matt Fuller (@MEPFuller) January 6, 2021
People are smashing glass in the doors to the House chamber. Police have guns drawn and aimed at the door
— Jonathan Tamari (@JonathanTamari) January 6, 2021
Video of Capitol breakin. Trump protesters are demanding to see senators pic.twitter.com/w7jTNYAedd
— Steven Nelson (@stevennelson10) January 6, 2021
Update at 2:36pm ET:
An injured Capitol Police officer was just escorted by me.
Shortly after this video, several other officers with visible injuries to their faces walked by me.
“You want to get the hell out of here, they’ve taken over the Capitol,” one officer said. pic.twitter.com/LqteWpef3g
— Taylor Popielarz (@TaylorPopielarz) January 6, 2021
BREAKING: revolution in process as Trump supporters break into the Capitol building, attacking police, breaking windows, and knocking down doors
Full anarchy at this “mostly peaceful” demonstration DC
The people have pushed through & are storming to main chambers pic.twitter.com/NW6VDDNBQw
— ELIJAH SCHAFFER (@ElijahSchaffer) January 6, 2021
The mayhem began shortly after Trump’s speech at Wednesday’s “Save America March,” where he told his supporters he’d be joining them in a march to the Capitol.
Trump says he’s leading a march to the capitol building to heckle Congress as they vote confirm Joe Biden as the next President of the United States. pic.twitter.com/VnxandDYL6
— Matt Hildreth (@mhildreth) January 6, 2021
During his rambling, sometimes incoherent speech, Trump expressed his irritation with Vice President Mike Pence.
“Mike Pence, I hope you’re going to stand up for the good of our Constitution and the good of our country,” Trump said in the speech. “And if you’re not, I’m going to be very disappointed in you, I will tell you right now.”
Pence was later ushered out of the Senate chamber and taken to a secure location when Trump’s supporters broke in.
Related…
MAGA Protesters Riot In D.C. For Desperate, Election-Losing Donald Trump
U.S. Capitol On Lockdown As Trump Supporters Storm The Building
This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
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