US capitol extends public emergency for 15 days

The mayor of the US capital city has extended a public emergency for 15 days until after inauguration day.

“Many persons came to the District armed and for the purpose of engaging in violence and destruction and have engaged in violence and destruction. They have fired chemical irritants, bricks, bottles and guns,” Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

“Their motivation is ongoing.”

The declaration will allow the city to draw upon additional resources to protect residents, like enforcing curfews, expanding emergency services or distributing necessities.

The order lasts until 15:00 on 21 January, the day after Biden will be sworn in.

The city is already under curfew declared by the mayor from 18:00 on Wednesday to 06:00 (23:00 to 11:00 GMT), though dozens of people have been arrested for violating the order.

Olusola Akintonde/BBC