Supporters of Donald Trump began to flock to Washington on Tuesday at the call of the US president who asked them to demonstrate on Wednesday when Congress formalizes his defeat in the presidential election, which he refuses to concede.
"My Commander-in-Chief called me and my Lord and Savior told me to go,"
Debbie Lusk, a 66-year-old retired accountant, who came from Seattle on purpose, told AFP at the other end of the country.
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Like her, hundreds of people from all over the United States have gathered near the White House with huge "Trump" flags or "Stop Theft" signs, the rallying cry of those who believe, against obviously, the November 3 election was rigged.
More than two months after the poll, Donald Trump continues to challenge the victory of Democrat Joe Biden, citing fraud of which he has never provided proof.
He failed to convince courts and election officials, but sowed doubt in the minds of his supporters.
"We do not have confidence in the result of the poll,"
Chris Thomas, a retiree who came with her husband from Oregon on the West Coast with her head wearing a hat honoring the Republican billionaire, told AFP .
"Trump won and by far there is more proof than necessary,"
added Matthew Woods, a 59-year-old Californian.
Dozens of elected Republican members of the House and Senate also remain in solidarity with Donald Trump and have promised to raise their doubts in the precincts of Congress which must certify the vote of the large voters on Wednesday: 306 for Joe Biden, 232 for Donald Trump.
Their objections will not derail but could slow down this process, the last before the Democrat is sworn in on January 20.
On Tuesday, businesses in central Washington reinstalled large wooden panels on their windows, for fear of possible overflows.
Police in the capital have said they fear potential violence, especially from far-right groups, and have warned that people carrying guns will be arrested.
On Monday, the leader of the Proud Boys militia was arrested, in particular for the illegal possession of two high-capacity ammunition magazines.