Dramatic photos show Donald Trump supporters breaking into the US Capitol on Wednesday, clashing with police and forcing a delay in the constitutional process to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's win.
Dozens of people breached security perimeters at the Capitol, the seat of the legislative branch of the US government in Washington DC. Lawmakers inside the House chamber were told to put on gas masks as tear gas was fired in the Rotunda.
As lawmakers were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Biden’s victory – a step that is usually considered a formality in US presidential elections, an announcement was played inside the Capitol. The recording said that due to an “external security threat”, no one could enter or exit the Capitol complex.
Rioters were also seen inside the Senate chamber. One person got up on the dais and yelled “Trump won that election.”
Congressional leaders were whisked to safety. Republican lawmakers are increasingly calling on Donald Trump to act to deescalate the violent protests. In a video message, the president once again peddled baseless claims of election fraud, telling rioters: “We love you, you’re very special” and “I know how you feel, but go home, and go home in peace.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Scroll down for images of the Capitol riots:
