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Photos show evolution of Trump rally from protest to violence, chaos outside US Capitol

1 person has been shot

Scenes in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2020. (Jacquelyn Martin, AP, Getty)

WASHINGTON – What started as a day for lawmakers to convene for a joint session to confirm the Electoral College results has ended in violence and chaos at the U.S. Capitol, resulting in angry supporters of President Donald Trump to storm through the building.

Images from the Associated Press and Getty show how Wednesday’s proceedings evolved from a Trump rally at the Ellipse south of the White House, to a protest, to a violent clash with Capitol police, to a shooting inside the building.

Click through the slideshow to see images of how Wednesday’s proceedings evolved from a rally to chaos.

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People attend a rally in support of President Donald Trump called the "Save America Rally," Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Several thousand protesters cheered on Trump and his unproven claims of election fraud as he spoke to a crowd earlier Wednesday. During the rally, Trump egged them on to march to Capitol Hill.

“We will not let them silence your voices,” Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.

According to media reports, protestors then breached the Capitol, forcing a lockdown and a delay to the vote certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. As Congress prepares to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory, thousands of people have gathered to show their support for President Donald Trump and his claims of election fraud. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

At least one person has been shot, according to the Associated Press. Details surrounding the shooting are unclear at this time, but the person was taken to a hospital.

Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda.

Trump has since tweeted to his supporters to “stay peaceful” and to “please support our Capitol Police and Law Enforcement.”

A curfew has been ordered by Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for the nation’s capital beginning at 6 p.m.

The protests first began on Tuesday with a rally at Freedom Plaza near the White House. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was expected to attend the protests.

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About the Authors
Rebecca Salinas headshot

Rebecca Salinas is the Digital Executive Producer at KSAT 12 News. A San Antonio native, Rebecca is an award-winning journalist who joined KSAT in 2019.

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