The U.S. Congress suspended its proceedings on Wednesday to count and certify the Electoral College votes, in which electors officially elected Joe Biden based on the results of the November Presidential Election.

The Congress was forced to halt the Electoral College votes certification after pro-Trump protestors stormed the U.S. Capitol building to "stop the steal," according to live coverage by NBC News.

Reports on the ground indicate a large group of protestors congregating on the steps of the Capitol building and Capitol police holding them back. 'Burning' and 'smoke-like- smells have also been reported on the scene.

Vice President Mike Pence and Congressional members were given gas masks and immediately evacuated following the storming of the Capitol building.

On the ground, media reports described thousands of Trump supporters storming police barricades and fighting through walls of tear gas in order to disrupt the Congressional hearing.

Minutes before the events occurred, Vice President Pence issued a letter to all 535 members of Congress declaring he will not decertify President-elect Joe Biden's victory, directly contravening President Trump's demands he do so. Whether the letter played a role to the crowds response rushing into the Capitol building remains to be seen.

Authorities have been anticipating widespread unrest and protests in the District of Columbia. In particular, the 'far-right' Proud Boys group have been active in the area since Monday.

The Proud Boys' leader Enrique Tarrio was arrested by Washington D.C. police on Monday, citing the controversial leader for destruction of property and weapons possession charges. Tarrio made bail on Tuesday and was ordered by a judge to leave Washington D.C. immediately and told to never return.

At the time of this report, the Capitol building's stairsteps are packed with Trump supporters and Capitol police bedecked with Trump and American flags. Police efforts to establish a strong perimeter around the Capitol have been mixed with barricades successfully blocking protestors on the West side of the Capitol.

In response to the protests, Trump issued a Tweet urging voters to support the Washington D.C. police.

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1346904110969315332

Critics have begun to decry Trump's rhetoric during a speech made earlier on Wednesday demanding VP Pence to "come through" for us. Trump also commented, "We will never concede."

The USA Herald will be providing ongoing reporting of the situation developing on Capitol Hill. It is unknown at this time whether any injuries have occurred as a result of protestors clashing with police.

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