House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that Congressional leaders have decided to resume a joint session of Congress to certify the results of the presidential election. The session is expected to begin around 8 p.m. ET.
"Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It was anointed at the highest level of government. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden," Pelosi said in a statement. "To that end, 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."
The House and Senate were separately debating the results of Arizona's election when a mob of Trump supporters broke through barricades and stormed the Capitol Building. The sessions were paused as lawmakers were evacuated from the building.
After several hours, authorities managed to secure the Capitol Building while officers and 1,100 National Guard troops worked to disperse the crowd that was still gathered outside.
It is unclear if any Republican lawmakers will move forward with their plans to contest the results in several swing states that President-elect Joe Biden won.
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