Capitol riots: Officer ‘on life-support’ after violence in DC

More than 50 officers were injured in the riots, with one being beaten and tased by the mob

A US Capitol Police officer is on life-support as a result of the riots in Washington DC, a police union representative has said.

An earlier report incorrectly said the officer had died.

News of the officer’s condition follows the resignation of US Capitol Chief Steve Sund, who Nancy Pelosi urged to step down over a ‘failure of leadership’ that allowed a mob to breach Congress.

Earlier on Thursday, Metropolitan Police Department chief Robert Contee said at a press conference that 56 officers were injured throughout the night, with one officer remaining in hospital after being beaten and tased by the mob.

Of the four Trump supporters that died during the riots, Ashil Babbitt, 35, was shot and killed by police while three others died from “medical emergencies”.

They were identified as 50-year-old Benjamin Phillips, of Ringtown Pennsylvania, Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens Alabama and Rosanne Boylan, 34, of Kennesaw Georgia.

It took longer than two hours for Capitol Police and back-up from the Metropolitan Police Department to regain control and restore order, with at least 68 people arrested either on the grounds of the US Capitol (41) or for violating the 6 pm curfew imposed by the mayor.

Mr Sund said the rioters used metal pipes, chemical irritants and other weapons against officers as they forced their way toward the House Chamber, where members of Congress were sheltering in place.

Capitol officers were also responding to a pipe bomb and a suspicious vehicle to clear threats of hazardous materials.

At least 14 people has so far been arrested, one for a suspicious vehicle and 13 addittional arrests over unlawful entry of the US Capitol.

More than 18 local, state, and Federal law enforcement agencies and the National Guard assisted the Capitol police to regain control of the grounds.

Before his resignation, Mr Sund released a statement saying they were prepared for peaceful protests but that the mass riots were not First Amendment activities.