Death toll from US Capitol Hill violence rises to four

Washington DC police say four persons have died following the mob attack on the US Capitol Hill building on Wednesday. 

Supporters of President Donald Trump breached police lines and stormed the building while Congress was sitting to verify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.

Trump, who has refused to concede the election to Biden, had asked his supporters to march to the congress.

A woman shot in the chest at the early stage of the unrest was later confirmed dead.

Robert Contee, DC police head, said three other people died from medical emergencies during the riot.

“One adult female and two adult males appear to have suffered from separate medical emergencies, which resulted in their deaths. Any loss of life in the District is tragic and our thoughts are with anyone impacted by their loss,” Contee said at a news conference on Wednesday night.

The vote counting was initially suspended and lawmakers were evacuated while troops from the Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC national guard were deployed to help quell the violence.

At least 14 members of the Metropolitan Police Department were injured. Six firearms, two pipe bombs and a cooler of molotov cocktails were recovered.

Police said 52 people have been arrested over the incident.