With the US Capitol closed and Washington under a curfew, George Washington’s men’s basketball game against UMass set for Wednesday night has been postponed.
Lawmakers were trapped inside the Capitol while violent clashes erupted between supporters of President Donald Trump and the police. Dozens of people breached the Capitol’s security perimeters, and lawmakers within the City Council were instructed to put on gas masks while tear gas was fired at the Rotunda.
Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office issued a curfew from 6 pm ET on Wednesday until 6 am on Thursday, saying people were not allowed to drive, ride a bike or even walk the city streets. Shortly thereafter, George Washington postponed his game. The school said Atlantic 10 will work to reschedule the game.
UMass said his team will be traveling back to Massachusetts on Wednesday night.
There were no major professional sporting events scheduled to take place in Washington on Wednesday. The NBA Washington Wizards are scheduled to play in Philadelphia.
There was no formal discussion between the NBA and the players’ association over the postponement of any of the league’s 11 games on Wednesday night, ESPN sources said Adrian Wojnarowski.
Lawmakers gathered to affirm President-elect Joe Biden’s victory as a demonstration for President Trump was ending. His supporters marched to the Capitol.
The skirmishes took place outside the building, exactly where Biden will open in just two weeks. Protesters broke down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol steps and were greeted by officers in shock suits. Some tried to get past the cops holding shields, and the cops could be seen throwing pepper spray at the crowd. Some protesters arrived at the Capitol, with reports of armed clashes in the Chamber.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.