Looting, vandalism and chaos was on display in the Capitol (Picture: Getty/AFP)
Remarkable images show Donald Trump supporters looting the Capitol Building in Washington DC.
Violent demonstrators stormed the iconic venue and ransacked offices, smashed windows and fought police after breaking through security lines and even walked into the floor of the Senate.
As police fired tear gas and elected politicians took cover in their offices, Trump supporters ran riot through the building, and even appeared to loot a podium. It was not clear how much more looting and vandalism took place.
One woman was in a critical condition after being shot inside and several other people have been injured.
Another paraded a confederate flag as far-right demonstrators rummaged through Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office and posed for pictures lounging around in her room.
Other Trump supporters were also photographed sat at various officials’ desks, next to computers, phones and various documents.
At least one explosive device has been found and there was an armed stand off inside the building as guns were drawn in the House of Representatives.
One protester appears to make off with a podium (Picture: Getty Images)
Supporters of Trump sits inside the office of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (Picture: AFP)
One puts his feet up at the desk of Speaker Pelosi (Picture: EPA)
A supporter in a Keep America Great hat sits at an office looking at a phone (Picture: AFP)
Demonstrators outside targeted journalists and destroyed their equipment in yet more chaotic scenes fuelled by President Donald Trump telling them earlier in the day to march on the Capitol. He later told them to ‘go home’, but added ‘we love you’.
The Washington DC Police chief said earlier that at least five weapons had been recovered and at least 13 people had been arrested.
Police Chief Robert Contee called the incident ‘a riot’.
As darkness began to set in, law enforcement officials were working their way toward the protesters, using percussion grenades to try to clear the area around the Capitol. Big clouds of tear gas were visible.
A broken window at the Capitol (Picture: Anadolu)
Supporters of Mr Trump stormed the US Capitol (Picture: AFP)
Scenes like these have never been seen on Capitol Hill (Picture: AFP)
A supporter of the outgoing President holds a Confederate battle flag on the second floor of the US Capitol – a hugely controversial and symbolic emblem widely seen as a white nationalist symbol (Picture: Reuters)
Police in full riot gear moved down the West steps, clashing with demonstrators.
Mayor Muriel Bowser earlier declared a 6pm curfew.
The building was later made secure by police, who regained control after hours of chaos.
Very little mask wearing and social distancing was on display throughout the day, despite the coronavirus pandemic ripping through the USA.
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