By Mary O’KEEFE

As of press time Wednesday, one person had been shot and the U.S. Capitol was under siege by supporters of President Donald Trump who were convinced that President-elect Joe Biden did not win the Presidential election.

Scenes of protestors climbing the outside walls of the Capitol building, breaking through barricades and making their way onto the House floor were shared on several media outlets.

“We will never give up, we will never concede,” President Donald Trump said to the crowd of supporters earlier in the day.

Since it was announced that he lost the November election, the President has questioned the Electoral College votes. His campaign legal team, led by Rudy Giuliani along with others, has filed over 50 lawsuits throughout the country contesting the election. All lawsuits were found to be without merit, yet the spreading of misinformation has continued.

President-elect Biden stated those who were taking over the Capitol were not protestors but a mob and called on President Trump to go on television to stop his supporters from the violence they had generated.

“At the best the words of a President can inspire, at the worst they can incite,” Biden said in a conference. “So, President Trump, step up.”

In a tweet, President Trump stated, “I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember we are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!”

There was violence, though, and the sentiment of “remain peaceful” was misleading; however, Vice President Mike Pence was more direct in a tweet he issued.

“Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he stated.

Pence, along with senators and representatives, was evacuated from the U.S. Capitol and taken to a “secure” location. Later President Trump recorded a message to his followers in which he continued to voice his opinion that the election was not fair, but did ask his supporters to “go home – you’re very special.”

As of press time at least one explosive device had been found near the Capitol. Riot police began securing the Capitol and surrounding area by 2 p.m. PST.

In Southern California, some disturbances were reported with no injuries.