With the US Capitol building closed and a curfew imposed on Washington, the George Washington men’s basketball match against UMass that was scheduled for Wednesday night has been postponed.
Lawmakers were trapped inside the Capitol as violent clashes erupted between supporters of President Donald Trump and police. Dozens of people violated perimeter security at the Capitol Building, and lawmakers inside the House of Representatives were required to wear gas masks while firing teargas into the Rotunda Building.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office issued a curfew from 6 p.m. ET Wednesday through 6 a.m. Thursday, saying people are not allowed to drive, cycle, or even walk on any streets in the city. After a short time, George Washington postponed her game. The school said Atlantic 10 will be working on rescheduling the game.
UMass said its team will return to Massachusetts on Wednesday evening.
There were no major professional sporting events scheduled to take place in Washington on Wednesday. The Washington Wizards are set to play in the NBA in Philadelphia.
Lawmakers met to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory just as President Trump’s rally is ending. His supporters marched to the Capitol.
Skirmishes occurred outside the building, in the same location as Biden’s opening in just two weeks. Protesters demolished metal barriers below the Capitol stairs and were met by officers in riot gear. Some attempted to bypass officers carrying shields, and officers were seen spraying pepper spray into the crowd. Some protesters entered the Capitol, with reports of armed confrontations in the House of Representatives.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
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