Trump supporters rally at Arizona Capitol as Congress counts votes

PHOENIX – Supporters of President Donald Trump rallied at the State Capitol on Wednesday, the same day Congress was meeting to count Electoral College votes.

President-elect Joe Biden won the Electoral College 306-232, per certified state results.

Trump backers, some openly carrying weapons, began gathering at the Phoenix complex near 17th Avenue and Washington Street as early as 7:30 a.m. for a rally/watch party.

Rallygoers arrived by car and bus. They carried flags and a guillotine had been set up on the grounds. Food trucks and other vendors sold their goods on the ground of the capitol.

.@AZGOP supporters gathering at the AZ State Capitol today awaiting Congress to certify the #ElectoralCollege votes. Many calling for more transparency and saying they believe the election outcome is fraudulent. @KTAR923 pic.twitter.com/50J6kbu3jd

— Ali Vetnar (@Ali_Vetnar) January 6, 2021

Meanwhile, the U.S. Capitol locked down Wednesday with lawmakers inside as violent clashes broke out between Trump supporters and police.

Both chambers abruptly went into recess.

The skirmishes came just shortly after Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, repeating his claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House ahead of Congress’ vote.

William Barr, who stepped down as attorney general last month, said there was no evidence of widespread fraud.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Jim Cross and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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