With the Capitol closed and Washington under curfew, George Washington’s men’s basketball game against UMass scheduled for Wednesday night was postponed.
Lawmakers were trapped in the Capitol building when violent clashes erupted between supporters of President Donald Trump and the police. Dozens of people breached the Capitol’s security perimeter, and lawmakers in the House room were told to put on gas masks when tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office issued a curfew from 6 p.m. ET on Wednesday to 6 a.m. on Thursday, saying people were not allowed to drive, bike, or even walk on the city streets. A short time later, George Washington postponed the game. The school said the Atlantic 10 will work to reschedule the game.
UMass said the team will travel back to Massachusetts on Wednesday evening.
No major professional sporting events were scheduled in Washington on Wednesday. The NBA’s Washington Wizards are scheduled to play in Philadelphia.
Lawmakers had gathered to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory just as a rally for President Trump was drawing to a close. His supporters marched to the Capitol.
Skirmishes took place outside the building, where Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks. Protesters demolished metal barricades at the bottom of the steps of the Capitol and were met by agents in riot gear. Some tried to push past the officers holding shields, and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd. Some protesters entered the Capitol, reporting armed stalemates in the Chamber of the House.
This report uses information from The Associated Press.