Editor’s note: This is an ongoing story and will be updated when more information is available.
Update 2:40 p.m. Jan. 6: According to the Casper Star-Tribune, A staffer for Congresswoman Liz Cheney confirmed that she and her staff are currently safe and sheltering in place. Both Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso have also been evacuated from the Senate and are currently sheltering at an undisclosed location.
The Army has activated the entire D.C National Guard, 1,100 troops. A woman was shot in the neck inside the Capitol building.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Jan. 6, Congress was slated to certify the 2020 Electoral College results. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) announced he will vote in favor to certify the results, joining Rep. Liz Cheney (R-WY) in the decision. Typically, certifying the electoral votes is a ceremonial vote.
Currently, 14 Republicans, led by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), oppose the counting of some of the Electoral votes based on unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud.
President Donald Trump made a speech at a pro-trump demonstration outside of the White House, calling the election results fraudulent. He claimed there were “hundreds of thousands” of supporters in attendance from “all over the world.”
He talked of the loyalty he feels he is owed by Republicans, “the weak republicans, they are pathetic republicans.” adding, “I helped Mitch get elected, I could name 24 of them lets say, and then all of the sudden, you have something like this and its like oh gee maybe I’ll talk to the president sometime later.” He also called out “the Liz Cheney’s of the world” for not supporting him.
Following the speech, protestors began storming the Capitol building, they can be seen in the Capitol’s stately Statuary Hall shouting. Some were waving confederate, Trump, and American flags. Others can be seen holding guns. The Capitol Police has placed the Capitol in lockdown, with Representatives and Senators tweeting they are sheltering in place in their offices.
Senator Cynthia Lummis, (R-WY) tweeted, “Call it what it is: An attack on the Capitol is an attack on democracy. Today we are trying to use the democratic process to address grievances. This violence inhibits our ability to do that. Violent protests were unacceptable this summer and are unacceptable now.” Lummis is among the 14 republicans who will not vote to certify the electoral college vote.
Meanwhile, a peaceful pro-Trump protest is being held at the Capitol building in Cheyenne.
