Hundreds Gather At Colorado State Capitol To Protest Biden's Win

DENVER, CO — Supporters of President Trump gathered Wednesday outside the Colorado State Capitol to voice their opposition to the Nov. 3 election results.

The protesters gathered in solidarity with the rallygoers who gathered at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. to stop Congress from finalizing President-elect Joe Biden's victory. Hundreds of protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol barricades and some forced their way into both chambers of Congress. One person was shot and killed, and three others died in “medical emergencies,” police said.

Despite the forced recess, Congress returned and by early Thursday morning, Biden was confirmed as the next president.

Around 700 protesters gathered at the Colorado State Capitol Wednesday afternoon.

"Out of an abundance of caution, I have instructed city agencies to close municipal buildings early," Mayor Michael Hancock said in a tweet.

Several protesters were arrested Wednesday night.

Don’t miss the latest news updates in Colorado. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily.

Republican and Democratic Colorado lawmakers took a stand against the violence and turmoil caused by protesters at the U.S. Capitol. Hundreds of protesters stormed the Capitol barricades and some forced their way into both chambers of Congress. After the intruders were inside, Trump sent a tweet that asked for the violence to end.

"I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful," the tweet read.

"No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"

Vice President Mike Pence also implored protesters to vacate the Capitol in a post on Twitter.

Just before 6 p.m. EST, law enforcement told reporters that the U.S. Capitol building is secure.

An explosive device was found at the headquarters of the Republican National Committee in Washington and the nearby headquarters of the Democratic National Committee was evacuated after the discovery of a suspicious package on Wednesday. The device found at the R.N.C. was a pipe bomb that was destroyed by a bomb squad, officials said.

As Congress prepared to ratify the results of the 2020 election on Wednesday, far-right supporters of Trump rallied in the District to back his false claim that he won the election.

The president has lost more than 60 court challenges nationwide as judges have ruled his attorneys have presented no proof of voter fraud or election tampering.

Trump's desperate attempt to stay in the White House for another four years has little chance of succeeding in a bipartisan vote in Congress to accept the results declaring Biden the winner of the Electoral College by a margin of 306-232. Biden's inauguration is Jan. 20.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.

Patch Editor Michael O'Connell also contributed to this story.