Assault on democracy: Four people killed in US Capitol riots as Trump blamed for inciting violence

Latest updates and essential advice from The Independent [View in browser]( [Alternate text] Daily briefing January 07, 2021 Today’s essential news from the source you trust This morning’s headlines Hundreds of [supporters of US president Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol]( on Wednesday in a stunning bid to overturn his election defeat, battling police in the hallways and delaying the certification of Democratic president-elect Joe Biden's victory for hours. In the gravest assault on the symbol of American democracy in more than 200 years, rioters forced their way past metal security barricades, broke windows and scaled walls to fight their way into the Capitol. Police said four people died during the chaos - one from gunshot wounds and three from medical emergencies - and 52 people were arrested. Some besieged the House of Representatives chamber while lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors and forcing suspension of the certification debate. Security officers piled furniture against the chamber's door and drew their pistols before helping lawmakers and others escape. Hours later, both houses of Congress resumed their work on certifying Biden's Electoral College win, with debate stretching into the early hours of Thursday. 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. You can follow [the very latest on the situation]( in our liveblog. President-elect Biden [denounced the chaos]( in an address delivered from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, that stood in sharp contrast to the aggression and anger displayed just a few hours earlier when Mr Trump spoke to supporters. “At this hour, our democracy's under unprecedented assault. Unlike anything we've seen in modern times. An assault on the citadel of liberty, the Capitol itself,” he said. “Let me be very clear. The scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not reflect a true America. Do not represent who we are. What we're seeing are a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent. It's disorder. It's chaos. It borders on sedition. And it must end now.” World leaders joined ex-presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush in [reacting with horror]( to the “disgraceful” and “terrible” events in DC. UK prime minister Boris Johnson, who has been seen to have a cordial relationship with Mr Trump, urged for an end to the “disgraceful scenes in US Congress”. NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said Washington was witnessing “shocking scenes” and said the outcome of the election must be respected. Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison likewise branded the episode “distressing”. . We need your support The Independent employs over 100 journalists around the world to bring you news you can trust. Please consider showing your support with a contribution. [Contribute]( . Top stories [London hospitals on verge of being overwhelmed within fortnight]( [Hospitals left short-staffed with half of all sickness linked to Covid]( [Scrap EU consumer and worker protections now Brexit is completed, leading Tory says]( . New Year. New perspective Save 40% when you subscribe to The Independent this January for unrivalled clarity on the issues that matter most. [Subscribe now]( . More news - [UK ministers urge Trump to cede power peacefully - follow live]( - [Boris Johnson urged to condemn Donald Trump – your daily politics briefing]( - [DUP should make NI govt ‘unworkable’ in protest at Irish Sea border, says loyalist activist]( - [US holds first lease sale for Alaska's Arctic refuge]( - [Brazil suspends syringe purchase effort as vaccination lags]( . News you can trust The Independent has a 100% NewsGuard trust rating [NewsGuard] [Find out more]( . If you can spare two minutes we’d love to hear your [feedback]( on our newsletters [Alternate text] Join the conversation or follow us [Twitter]( [Facebook]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's News email. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent News email and Breaking News alerts, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.