- Details
- By Levi Rickert
WASHINGTON — The 117th Congress worked overnight on Wednesday to certify the election of President-elect Joseph R. Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala D, Harris. The certification came early Thursday morning after a long day that saw pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol in an attempted coup that turned into a riot.
After 15 hours of chaos and congressional procedure, the votes by the state of Vermont put Biden over the 270 vote Electoral College threshold at 3:32 a.m. Ten minutes later, Vice President Mike Pence, standing next to Speaker Nancy Pelosi declared Biden and Harris the victors of the 2020 presidential election.
The certification brings an end to all possible legal options for Donald Trump who spent the time since Nov. 3 spewing false accusations of fraud. Even on Wednesday, Trump falsely claimed he won the presidency in a landslide. Since Election Day, some 60 lawsuits were filed in state and federal courts. All lawsuits were dismissed due to the lack of evidence to the claims.
Shortly after the process began at 1 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, some carrying American flags and others with Trump flags, while yelling "USA, USA" and "stop the steal." They broke windows, broke into the Senate and House of Representative chambers. One man was seen inside Speaker Pelosi's office. One woman was shot and taken to a nearby hospital where she was pronounced dead. At least a dozen more were taken to local D.C. hospitals with injuries.
Biden and Harris will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2021.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Ethics Complaint Alleges Former Navajo Nation Chief of Staff Accepted Gifts From Contractor
Monday Morning (December 14, 2025): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend
Senators Demand Accountability Amid Reports of ICE Questioning Native Americans
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
