Trump supporters storm Biden certification session, force lock down of US Capitol

The US Capitol locked down on Wednesday after supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the building, interrupting the certification of Joe Biden’s victory, and clashed with the police, live footage from C-Span showed.

Senator James Lankford said on Twitter: "Protesters have charged the Capitol and have surrounded the Senate chamber. They have asked us to stay inside."

An announcement was played inside the Capitol as lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Biden's victory. Due to an “external security threat,” no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said.

Both chambers abruptly went into recess.

The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.

Trump’s relentless effort to overturn the election results and cling to the White House drew a massive crowd to the White House, and then Trump sent them to the Capitol.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol’s steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back. Some in the crowd were shouting “traitors” as officers tried to keep them back.

A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol Police said.