Ashli Babbit: was the woman shot at US Capitol building a Trump supporter - and what she said on Twitter

Three other Trump supporting rioters died of ‘medical emergencies’ as chaos engulfed the US Capitol building

The US Capitol building in Washington DC was overwhelmed by mobs of President Trump supporters as Congress met on Wednesday 6 January to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential win.

One woman was shot dead by police and three others died of "medical emergencies", as rioters clashed with police and tear gas was dispersed as demonstrators strong-armed their way into the building – both chambers of Congress were forced into an abrupt recess.

It’s now been revealed that a police officer also died drom injuries he suffered during the pro-Trump siege. Brian Sicknick "was physically engaging with protesters" when he was wounded, the US Capitol Police (USCP) said.

US Capitol Police detain protesters outside of the House Chamber (Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

His death is the fifth connected to the riots, which have led to calls for Donald Trump's removal as president.

The violence came after a rally held near the White House at which Mr Trump encouraged supporters to march on Capitol Hill in protest against Congress' approval of Mr Biden's victory in the November election.

Here is everything you need to know.

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as they try to storm the US Capitol Building in Washington DC on 6 January 2021 (Photo: JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

What happened?

On 6 January, President Donald Trump addressed supporters at a rally near the White House, promising to “never concede” that he had lost as Congress met to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s presidential win.

Following the rally, Trump supporters breached barricades and fought past police to storm into the US Capitol building, forcing Congress to halt the voter certification process.

Federal agents were sent to the Capitol, with officers from the Federal Protective Service and US Secret Service also on hand to assist US Capitol Police.

The White House said National Guard troops had headed to the Capitol, as law enforcement officials said at least one explosive device was found near the scene, confirming it was “no longer a threat”.

Addressing the nation, Mr Biden said that democracy was “under an unprecedented assault”, and demanded that President Trump make a televised address calling on his supporters to cease the violence.

In a video posted on Twitter, President Trump asked his supporters to “go home”, claiming the results of the election were fraudulent and he feels their “pain”.

The tweet was later removed, and both Twitter and Facebook have temporarily locked Trump’s accounts.

What's the scene now?

After nearly four-hours, heavily-armed police ended the violent occupation as officials declared the Capitol complex “secure”.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Congress would resume the Electoral College proceedings when it was safe; Congress has since reconvened, and has certified Joe Biden's election win.

Donald Trump has also released a statement promising an orderly transition of power, though he still refuses to concede the election, continuing his unsubstantiated claims that the process was “stolen” from him.

Who was Ashli Babbit?

The woman who was shot and killed during skirmish has been identified as Ashli Babbit, according to local news reports.

Fox 5 DC first identified Babbit, and said the 14-year US Air Force veteran from San Diego was struck by a bullet after she entered the Capitol building’s legislative complex with rioters.

She was later pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital in critical condition.

Robert Contee, Washington DC’s Chief of Police, later confirmed that a woman was shot by a Capitol police officer, and an internal investigation is now underway.

“I really don’t know why she decided to do this,” her mother-in-law told Fox 5, as Babbit’s husband – who did not travel with his wife to DC – called her “a patriot and strong supporter of Donald Trump.”

Just hours before the violence, Babbit tweeted: “Nothing will stop us… they can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours… dark to light!”