US Congress certifies Joe Biden, Trump concedes defeat

Congress on Thursday formally validated Joe Biden’s presidential election victory on a day that saw a time-honoured ceremony become a nightmare of unprecedented political terror. The affirmation of Biden's 306-232 victory over Trump in November essentially closes the door on the unparalleled and deeply controversial effort by Trump and his loyalists to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The president immediately released a statement pledging an "orderly transition" but suggesting he would remain in frontline politics, amid speculation that he may run again in 2024. "Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th," he said.

More than six hours after the violence erupted, lawmakers resumed their session.Acording to experts it was the first time that the Capitol had been taken over since 1814 when the British burned it during the War of 1812.For more than two centuries, the joint session of Congress has been a quiet, ceremonial event that formally certifies the election winner.