Hours after hundreds of supporters of US President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol, the US Congress certified the victory of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the November 3 election. Meanwhile, Trump finally conceded and pledged an “orderly transition” of power to President-elect Joe Biden on January 20, 2021, even as he remained firm on his claim of election fraud.
In a statement, Trump finally conceded that he will leave office in two weeks: “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.” He continued, “I have always said we would continue our fight to ensure that only legal votes were counted. While this represents the end of the greatest first term in presidential history, it’s only the beginning of our fight to Make America Great Again!”
On Thursday, US House of Representatives and Senate met in a rare joint session and formally certified Joe Biden as the winner of the presidential election. Republican Vice President Mike Pence certified the Electoral College count of 306 electors in favour of the Democrat and 232 in favour of outgoing Republican President Donald Trump.
The joint session was interrupted by supporters of the president who stormed the US Capitol triggering violence and mayhem at the seat of government.
At least four people died at the US Capitol grounds on Wednesday and 52 people were arrested after the violence broke out.
Following the violence, the US Capitol had to be locked down on Wednesday with lawmakers inside after protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol’s steps.”
The violence soon moved inside the Capitol building and police in riot gear opened fire on the premises.
Trump, who continued to insist he will not concede, had said at a rally of his supports on Wednesday afternoon in Washington, “We will never give up.” As the clashes broke out, Trump appealed for peace.
Biden said the democracy in America was under an “unprecedented assault”.
Tags Donald Trump Joe Biden Kamala Harris Orderly Transition US Congress