Reuters
- Some Twitter users could not load tweets, trending topics, and search functions due to the “high traffic” on the site during the pro-Trump siege at the US Capitol building Wednesday evening.
- “Due to high traffic on our service, Tweets, Trends and search may not have been loading properly for some,” a spokesperson told Insider. “Our systems have stabilized and we’re working to keep Twitter running without interruption.”
- The social media site also said it would restrict engagement on some tweets pertaining to elections due to “the risk of violence.”
- Twitter users called on the platform to suspend President Donald Trump’s account, accusing him of inciting violence.
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Some Twitter users could not load tweets, trending topics, and search functions due to the “high traffic” on the site on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson.
Twitter users flooded the site with videos and pictures capturing the riot at the Capitol building after violent Trump insurrectionists broke in to stop the counting of electoral votes in the 2020 election. The breach forced Mike Pence and other lawmakers to evacuate the building, and Virginia sent in the National Guard.
“Due to high traffic on our service, Tweets, Trends and search may not have been loading properly for some,” spokesperson Layal Brown said in an email to Insider. “Our systems have stabilized and we’re working to keep Twitter running without interruption.”
Twitter announced the site would “significantly restrict” engagement with tweets that fall under its “Civic Integrity Policy,” which aims to share accurate information on elections and other civic processes, due to the risk of violence.
“We have been significantly restricting engagement with Tweets labeled under our Civic Integrity Policy due to the risk of violence,” the company stated. “This means these labeled Tweets will not be able to be replied to, Retweeted, or liked.”
—Twitter Safety (@TwitterSafety) January 6, 2021
Twitter users called on the platform to suspend President Donald Trump's account, accusing him of inciting violence. An hour rioters broke into the House and Senate chambers, Trump issued a tweet that read: "I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order - respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!"
Twitter halted engagement with Trump's next tweet, a video of him baselessly disputing the results of the presidential election and telling rioters to "go home." Twitter users cannot comment, retweet, or like this post.
This is a breaking news story. Check back for updates.