Supporters of President Donald Trump flooded the Capitol on January 6, 2021. (Photo: AP)

Before the counting session required by the US Constitution, hundreds of pro-Trump supporters gathered outside the Capitol. The situation got out of control as many fanatical protesters forced their way into the Capitol to stop the counting of electoral votes confirming President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

President Donald Trump addressed a crowd of supporters on January 6, 2021. (Photo: AP)

Unprecedented chaos

Protesters broke through a protective barrier and stormed the US Senate Chamber after only 12 out of 538 electoral votes had been counted, creating a scene of unprecedented chaos. Gunshots were fired and some members of the Congress found discreet paths out of the building, while others took shelter in the tunnels beneath the Capitol under the protection of security staff. This was the most serious intrusion into the Capitol building since 1814 when British troops attacked it in a war that broke out in 1812.

The international community has responded anxiously. UN General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir tweeted, “Deeply concerned by violence at the Capitol in Washington DC and the interruption of the democratic process in the UN’s host country.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians were "deeply disturbed and saddened by the attack on democracy." He tweeted “Violence will never succeed in overruling the will of the people and democracy in the US must be upheld - and it will be." Earlier, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the outcome of the election “must be respected.”  UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson condemned the “disgraceful scenes.”

The 46th President of the United States will be sworn in on January 20, 2021. (Photo: AP)

Historical statement

Hours after the mob invasion, order was restored and members of Congress completed the count of 538 electoral votes to confirm the winner of the US presidential election.

At 4 am on Thursday, US Vice President and Senate President Mike Pence declared that Joe Biden had received 306 electoral votes to Donald Trump’s 232 and would be inaugurated the 46th president on January 20. This statement officially confirmed the outcome of a presidential election unlike any other in American history.

That evening, President Trump released a two-and-a-half-minute video, saying he is now focused on a “smooth, orderly, seamless transition of power.” He promised that “a new administration will be inaugurated on January 20."

Trump’s statement somewhat lessens public concerns about the possible chaos in Washington DC and across the US.