Senate staff secures Electoral College ballots amid riot

Vice President Mike Pence officiates as a joint session of the House and Senate convenes to confirm the Electoral College votes cast in November's election, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. (Jim Lo Scalzo/Pool via AP)

As pro-Trump demonstrators stormed the US Capitol, the Electoral College ballots that were being read by Vice President Mike Pence were grabbed by Senate aides.

Moments after a recess was called, senators and representatives were moved to undisclosed secure locations. Several protesters breached the Senate chambers.

The protests were later declared a “riot” by DC Metro Police.

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, tweeted a photo of the Electoral College ballots several hours after a recess was called.

It’s unclear when the counting of the Electoral College votes will resume.