The world watched in disbelief as supporters of United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday stormed the Capitol building in a bid to overturn the results of last year’s election which was swept by Democrat Joe Biden.
As the violent mob encroached the building, the nation’s elected representatives crouched under desks and donned gas masks, while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power.
One woman died inside the building after being shot while three more died from medical emergencies, police said.
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 in Washington, US. — AP
Pro-Trump protesters wave American flags after breaching the Capitol barricades during a rally to contest the certification of the 2020 US presidential election results by the Congress, at the US Capitol Building in Washington on January 6, 2021. — Reuters
An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington, January 6. — Reuters
Protesters climb the scaffolding on the inauguration platform after breaking through barriers onto the grounds of the Capitol Building. — AFP
Smoke fills the walkway outside the Senate Chamber as supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by US Capitol Police officers inside the Capitol. — AP
A member of the bomb squad walks on the House floor after protesters who support President Donald Trump broke into the US Capitol. — AP
Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber at the Capitol. — AP
A pro-Trump mob confronts US Capitol police outside the Senate chamber of the Capitol Building. — AFP
Lawmakers evacuate the floor as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol. — AP
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol. — AP
Pro-Trump protesters scale a wall as they storm the US Capitol Building. — Reuters
Law enforcement officers aim less-lethal weapons towards supporters of President Donald Trump at the US Capitol. — Reuters
Pro-Trump protesters clash with Capitol police during a rally. — Reuters
A member of a pro-Trump mob bashes an entrance of the Capitol Building in an attempt to gain access. — AFP
US Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the Capitol. — AP
Rep. Andy Kim, D-N.J., helps ATF police officers clean up debris and personal belongings strewn across the floor of the Rotunda in the early morning hours of Thursday. — AP
Header image: A protester is seen hanging from the balcony in the Senate Chamber on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. — AFP
The government has made hectic efforts since last month to bring what it says are judicial reforms in the country's "wider interest". This piece details those changes to the Constitution.
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