Explosive device ‘discovered and destroyed’ at Republican Party headquarters’

Two devices discovered on day of chaos and violence

A pipe bomb is said to been found and destroyed at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington DC, close to the US Capitol building.

Reports said a second package was found close to the offices of the Democratic National Committee, which were evacuated as a result.

The New York Times said the explosive at the RNC building, was a pipe bomb.

The two buildings are located close to the US Capitol building that was stormed by supporters of Mr Trump, following a rally on Wednesday morning during which the president had again denounced the election, and said he would not give up his efforts to overturn the outcome.

Mr Trump told supporters: “All of us here today do not want to see our election victory stolen by emboldened radical Democrats.”

He added: “We will never give up. We will never concede. It will never happen. You don’t concede when there’s theft involved. Our country has had enough. We will not take it anymore.”

The rally took place before a joint session of Congress that was to certify the electoral college votes for Joe Biden, an event that in every other US presidential election cycle has been a dull formality as the President-elect gets ready for the Oval Office.

Yet, after encouragement from Mr Trump, more than 150 Republican politicians were preparing to vote not to certify the tallies, and backing the president in his unfounded claim the election was rigged.

He also denounced Mr Pence for not refusing to preside over the session, something that was his constitutional duty.