Washington DC, United States

The last presidential elections in the United States were held on November 3, 2020, when the world was battling the global coronavirus pandemic.

Advertisment

The elections resulted in Democrat nominee Joe Biden emerging as the winner and the then-incumbent president Donald Trump facing a defeat.

Biden became the 46th president of the United States after garnering more than 81 million votes. The voter turnout by percentage was the highest in this election since 1900.

However, Trump refused to acknowledge Biden’s victory and claimed that the election was rigged without any specific evidence. 

Advertisment

Also Read: US election: Opinion poll shows Harris holds narrow lead over Trump, but razor-thin edge starting to fray

The baseless claims ignited anger among the supporters of Trump who stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in an incident which was etched in history as a moment when democracy was brought to its knees in the United States.

The US Capitol attack

Advertisment

It was the same day when the Electoral College results were scheduled to be ceremoniously reported to Congress.

However, unlike what was planned, around 2,500 people barged inside the Capitol Building and looted and vandalised the government offices. 

The Capitol Police officers and reporters were also assaulted by the rioters and lawmakers were harmed. People erected a gallows west of the Capitol amid chants of "Hang Mike Pence" – the then-vice president – because he rejected Trump’s requests to not certify the election results.

In the next 36 hours, six people were killed and several others were injured. Trump's provocative speech was said to have triggered the mob who had invaded the Capitol and he was impeached by the House of Representatives for “inciting violence against the government of the United States". 

Trump's era comes to an end

The elections led to the end of the era of Donald Trump in Washington DC. The camera-hungry president decided to leave the capital a few hours earlier than the time he was left to avoid the humiliation of seeing his opponent's swearing-in ceremony.

Watch: US Election 2024 | Explained: US Presidential Elections 2024

“We will be back in some form,” Trump had said to the supporters who had gathered to bid him farewell at Joint Base Andrews. “So have a good life. We will see you soon," the then-outgoing president had said. 

As Trump departed in Air Force One for the final time, he left the city which had turned into a militarised fortification because of the Capitol attack which took place days back.

(With inputs from agencies)