Trump Supporters' Unprecedented Assault on the US Capitol

Biden Election Certification Process Temporarily Halted
One Woman Shot Dead During Suppression

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol on the 6th (local time). As a result, an unprecedented situation occurred where the congressional certification process for President-elect Joe Biden was halted. Countries around the world were shocked, saying democracy was under attack.

As the joint session of the House and Senate to certify President-elect Biden began around 1 p.m. that day, unusual movements by Trump supporters were detected. Before the meeting started, President Trump attended an outdoor rally in front of the White House, claiming election fraud and urging his supporters to take action, saying, "Vice President Mike Pence must overturn the election results."

However, Vice President Pence rejected this and began presiding over the session. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican, also blocked President Trump's hopes, saying, "If we reject the will of the voters, the courts, and the states, we will drive democracy into a death spiral."

At that moment, Trump supporters moved. They marched through the streets toward the Capitol, broke through barricades and police resistance, and entered the Capitol building. The session was suspended as the protesters entered the Capitol. Vice President Pence and lawmakers evacuated or hid. During this process, one woman was shot and urgently transported but ultimately died. The National Guard was also deployed to suppress the situation.

President-elect Biden held a press conference, condemning the unprecedented attack on American democracy, calling it "not a protest but an insurrection." As the situation worsened, President Trump belatedly appealed, "Please go home now."

The Washington DC authorities imposed a curfew starting at 6 p.m. to prevent further violence. The protesters' intrusion lasted for four hours. The certification process for President-elect Biden, which was suspended that day, resumed around 8 p.m. Vice President Pence declared the session resumed after 8 p.m., stating, "The safety of Congress has been secured."

As the U.S. Capitol, a symbol of American democracy, was trampled by violent protesters, not only American society but countries worldwide were deeply shocked. The aftershocks expected to affect U.S. politics are also anticipated to be severe.

Former U.S. presidents strongly criticized President Trump one after another. Republican George W. Bush condemned, "I am horrified by the reckless behavior of some political leaders following the election," adding, "They have shown no respect for the American system, traditions, or the rule of law." Former President Bill Clinton also pointed out, "Today we faced an unprecedented attack on the U.S. Congress, the Constitution, and the entire nation," and noted, "Four years of toxic politics and deliberate misinformation fueled the Capitol occupation."

Meanwhile, U.S. media reported that in the runoff election for the Georgia Senate held the previous day, Democratic candidates Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff defeated incumbent Republican senators. With the Democrats gaining two additional Senate seats in Georgia, the number of seats for both parties became equal at 50.

Considering the casting vote power of the Vice President, who is the ex officio Senate President, the Democrats effectively gained control of the Senate. Accordingly, the Democrats achieved a "triple crown," controlling the presidency and both houses of Congress.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.