US: Capitol on lockdown as thousands protest election

Several thousand people are gathering outside the U.S. Captiol to protest the electoral vote and cheer President Donald Trump and his baseless claims of election fraud before Congress’ vote to certify the Electoral College vote to certify the Electoral College vote and affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Some protesters were seen climbing statues and monuments. Videos posted online showed protesters fighting with U.S. Capitol Police officers as police fired pepper spray to keep them back.

The Capitol Police evacuated some congressional office buildings due to “police activity” near the Capitol grounds. A police spokeswoman did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment.

Police reported 12 protest-related arrests on Tuesday and Wednesday for a variety of offenses, including weapons charges, assault on a police officer, simple assault, possessing a stun gun and other violations.