11 Journalists on Covering the Capitol Siege: âThis Could Get Uglyâ Reporters who planned to watch a political ceremony were caught in a wave of turmoil. Extremists backing President Trump smashed TV equipment and attacked an Associated Press photographer outside the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.Credit...Jose Luis Magana/Associated Press Jan. 9, 2021 Reporters knew before they arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday that there would be large protests in support of President Trump. But most expected the dayâs main event to be the drama and ceremony of the nationâs leaders debating the ratification of the Electoral College vote for Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the next president.