[Photo] US Capitol Occupied by Protesters Amid 'Flames, Gunfire, and Tear Gas' Violence

Congress 'Biden Election Confirmation' Meeting... Division and Discord Revealed
US Media Say "America's Shame Exposed"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyeon-jin] The United States Capitol in Washington DC, a symbol of American democracy, was engulfed in flames, gunfire, and tear gas on the 6th (local time). An unprecedented incident occurred as supporters of President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, leaving a significant stain in American history.

On this day, a congressional session was scheduled to confirm the victory of President-elect Joe Biden. This was the final procedure to certify the winner amid President Trump's refusal to accept the election defeat. However, violent incidents occurred inside the Capitol, and with fatalities caused by gunfire from protesters, the division and conflict that had been evident throughout last year's election were once again exposed to the outside world.

From the morning, Trump supporters protested near the Capitol demanding opposition to Biden's certification, and as the protest intensified in the afternoon, they breached barricades and stormed the Capitol. Police tried to stop them by firing tear gas, but they eventually entered the Capitol, occupying the Senate chamber and ransacking the Speaker's office. During the physical clashes, a woman was shot and killed, and police officers were injured and transported to the hospital.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer said, "It's really hard to believe that such a thing happened," adding, "It is unprecedented, not only dangerous but also exposes the shame of America." The New York Times (NYT) described it as "a shocking scene reminiscent of coups and riots occurring in authoritarian countries around the world," and harshly criticized, "The presidency, which has been shaken by hostility and division for four years, seems to end in an explosion of anger, disorder, and violence."