Kayode Oyero
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said leaders of Congress will proceed with the certification of President -elect Joe Biden ’s win despite Capitol invasion by supporters of incumbent President Donald Trump .
In a letter to colleagues , Pelosi announced that the leaders will resume the joint session on Wednesday night to certify Biden ’ s win once the Capitol is “ cleared for use. ”
“ In consultation with Leader Hoyer and Whip Clyburn and after calls to the Pentagon , the Justice Department and the Vice President , we have decided we should proceed tonight at the Capitol once it is cleared for use. Leader Hoyer will be sending out more guidance later today, ” Pelosi said , according to CNN .
Trump ’ s supporters had stormed the Capitol in Washington during a joint session of Congress held to certify Biden ’s win , a desperate last – minute bid to overturn the November election that sparked chaos and accusations of a “ coup ” attempt.
The violence, hours after an extraordinary rally by Trump challenging his defeat , saw flag – waving backers break down barricades outside the Capitol and swarm inside , sending the legislative sessions into an emergency recess .
Extraordinary images showed security personnel barricading the chamber while lawmakers huddled inside wearing gas masks .
A woman shot in the ensuing melee was pronounced dead .