A woman, a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, who entered the Capitol with other protesters, has died after being shot and wounded.
Washington Police Chief Robert Contee told a press conference that an investigation had been opened, without providing any information on the circumstances of the tragedy.
A woman shot in the grounds of the United States Capitol, where supporters of Donald Trump wreaked havoc for several hours on Wednesday, has died, police spokeswoman Alaina Gertz told AFP.
Washington Police Chief Robert Contee told a press conference that an investigation had been opened, without providing any information on the circumstances of the tragedy.
"A determined supporter of President Trump"
According to American media citing her family, this woman was called Ashli Babbitt, was a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and lived in Southern California.
"The woman is Ashli Babbitt, who served in the military for 14 years and made four deployments with the US Air Force," according to the KUSI television channel, who said she spoke with her husband.
Ashli Babbitt, who has not at this point been officially identified by police, lived in the San Diego area of Southern California with her husband who described her as "a determined supporter of President Trump" .
He had not made the trip to Washington to protest.
No details on the circumstances of the drama or the author of the shot
Hundreds of Donald Trump supporters invaded the Capitol, the quintessential symbol of American democracy, for several hours on Wednesday, interrupting the parliamentary session which was to confirm the victory of Joe Biden.
It was during these scenes of chaos, during which some police officers protecting the premises and elected officials had guns in hand, that a woman was shot and wounded inside the Capitol.
She died shortly after being shot, the Washington police chief said without giving any details on the circumstances of the tragedy or the author of the shot.
"I really don't know why she decided to do this," said Ashli Babbitt's mother-in-law, quoted by a Fox 5 reporter. On her Twitter account, Ashli Babbitt introduced herself as "a veteran" and "libertarian", displaying her love for her country.
She had recently retweeted numerous messages from people traveling to Washington to protest at Donald Trump's call.
On Tuesday, Ashli Babbitt replied to one of them who complained about the cancellation of her flight: "Nothing will stop us ... They can try, try and try but the storm is here and it is coming down on ( Washington) DC in less than 24 hours ... From black to light! "