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Injury Count From Washington Melee Now in the Dozens

— One woman shot dead by police, another reportedly crushed to death

Last Updated January 8, 2021
MedpageToday
A screenshot from a Capitol Hill webcam showing the building surrounded by protesting Trump supporters

WASHINGTON -- Scores of police were injured and at least four people died as a result of the chaos that erupted Wednesday as the election victories of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris were being certified by Congress.

One woman was shot inside the Capitol by law enforcement and later pronounced dead at a local hospital, Robert Contee III, chief of the District of Columbia's Metropolitan Police Department, late Wednesday.

On Thursday, Contee confirmed her identity as Ashli Babbitt, 35, also known as Ashli Pamatian, of Huntingtown, Maryland (though she most recently lived in San Diego, according to reports).

By Thursday night, officials also said one of the police officers had died: Brian D. Sicknick, "injured while physically engaging with protesters," according to .

Contee also confirmed three other deaths on the Capitol grounds from "medical emergencies": Benjamin Philips, 50, of Ringtown, Pennsylvania; Kevin Greeson, 55, of Athens, Alabama; and Roseanne Boyland, 34, of Kennesaw, Georgia. One of these individuals, apparently Boyland, was , according to Axios.

Contee did not provide additional details on their deaths, but during a press briefing on Wednesday said, "until these individuals are seen at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, we won't know the cause of death."

At least 56 police officers were injured, Contee said Wednesday, including two who were hospitalized; one was assaulted by protesters and the other was "struck by a projectile."

A total of 68 arrests were made by D.C. police between Wednesday night and Thursday morning.

Shortly after the joint session opened, protesters converged on the Capitol in an apparent attempt to stop the certification, forcing some people inside the House chamber -- which had mostly been evacuated -- to push heavy furniture in front of the door and stand with guns drawn. The protesters had previously been at the Ellipse behind the White House and heard from several speakers, including President Trump, who had urged them to march to the Capitol.

to urge the protesters to "remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order -- respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue." After a delay, the president authorized National Guard deployment to the Capitol.

Reports on Wednesday said explosive devices had been and potentially at its Democratic counterpart as well. that a device was found on the Capitol grounds. But no further violence was reported overnight and streets in the capital appeared quiet on Thursday. A curfew went into effect Wednesday at 6 p.m. and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser to extend through Biden's Jan. 20 inauguration.

This story was updated at 2:07 p.m. on Jan. 8

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    Joyce Frieden oversees ֱ’s Washington coverage, including stories about Congress, the White House, the Supreme Court, healthcare trade associations, and federal agencies. She has 35 years of experience covering health policy.