Even as violence broke out in Capitol Hill on Thursday, the US lawmakers formally certified Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election — clearing the way for his inauguration on January 20.
Republican Vice President Mike Pence certified the Electoral College count of 306 electors in favour of the Democrat against 232 in favour of outgoing Republican President Donald Trump.
The US House of Representatives and Senate had met in a rare joint session to begin considering the certification of electoral college results that show Democrat Joe Biden defeated Trump. It quickly became clear that objections from pro-Trump Republican lawmakers to Biden’s victory in battleground states would be rejected overwhelmingly, including by most Republicans.
“To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today – you did not win,” Vice President Mike Pence, who presided over the session, said as it resumed. “Let’s get back to work,” he said, drawing applause.
Meanwhile, outgoing President Donald Trump said that there will be an “orderly” transfer of power to Joe Biden on January 20. Trump’s remarks came minutes after the Joint Session of the US Congress formally certified the victory of Biden in the November 3 election. “Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th,” Trump said in a statement.
Earlier, at least four people died and 52 were arrested after the violence broke out. The US Capitol had to be locked down with lawmakers inside after protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol’s steps and were met by officers in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers, who held shields, and the police could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back, even as the crowd shouted, “traitors”. The violence soon moved inside the Capitol building, with reports of firing at the premises.
