In pictures: Chaos as pro-Trump protesters break barricade and storm through US Capitol security

By Aubrey Allegretti, news reporter

Thursday 7 January 2021 13:15, UK

A protester who gained entry to the Capitol carried a Confederate flag
Image: A protester who gained entry to the Capitol carried a Confederate flag
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Striking scenes of protesters breaking into the US Capitol building have shocked people around the world.

The images of Donald Trump supporters clashing with police, breaking windows and occupying the Senate chamber have drawn criticism from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and even the NATO secretary general.

In the final days of the outgoing US president's administration, they were a powerful reminder of how bitterly divided the country is two months since Joe Biden won the race for the White House.

Four dead as Trump-inspired mob riot on Capitol: Follow live updates

A large number of Pro-Trump protesters storm the Capitol building during the rally
Image: A large number of Pro-Trump protesters storm the Capitol building during the rally
Protestors cover their faces as tear gas travels through the air
Image: Protestors cover their faces as tear gas travels through the air
Some people were seen climbing the west wall of the the Capitol
Image: Some people were seen climbing the west wall of the the Capitol
A police officer confronted supporters of Mr Trump as they demonstrated on the second floor of the Capitol
Image: A police officer confronted supporters of Mr Trump as they demonstrated on the second floor of the Capitol
A woman in the House gallery put on an 'emergency hood'
Image: A woman in the House gallery put on an 'emergency hood'
People were forced to shelter in the House gallery
Image: People were forced to shelter in the House gallery

The shocking pictures drew an appeal from Mr Biden to his soon-to-be-predecessor to "step up" and call off the protesters.

Mr Trump later urged them to "go home" and "respect our great people in law and order" but repeated claims the election was "stolen" - something that has been refuted multiple times in different US courts.

NBC reported several officials have said two improvised explosive device had been found on Capitol grounds.

A police officer shot pepper spray at a protester attempting to enter the Capitol
Image: A police officer shot pepper spray at a protester attempting to enter the Capitol
Police held their guns up to a broken window as they attempted to secure the House chamber
Image: Police held their guns up to a broken window as they attempted to secure the House chamber
Some protesters were forced to lie on the ground as armed police started to take control
Image: Some protesters were forced to lie on the ground as armed police started to take control
A video showed some of those outside the building trying to break in by shattering the glass in windows
Image: A video showed some of those outside the building trying to break in by shattering the glass in windows
Senator Tim Scott stops to look at damage in the early hours of the morning
Image: Senator Tim Scott stops to look at damage in the early hours of the morning
Some of the internal damage from the riot's aftermath
Image: Some of the internal damage from the riot's aftermath
A security officer appealed to people to leave the Capitol
Image: A security officer appealed to people to leave the Capitol

Earlier, Mr Trump turned on Vice President Mike Pence, accusing him of lacking courage for not intervening to refute the election result.

Their fortunes were also dealt a big blow when the Democrats' second candidate in the Georgia Senate run-off race was projected to win - meaning Mr Biden will be in control of the Senate.

Police kept a watch on the demonstrators who remained outside the Capitol
Image: Police kept a watch on the demonstrators who remained outside the Capitol
A stand-off ensued when supporters of Mr Trump confronted police
Image: A stand-off ensued when supporters of Mr Trump confronted police
Journalists and House press staff had to be evacuated
Image: Journalists and House press staff had to be evacuated
Papers and open packages of 'emergency escape hoods' were left strewn on desks in the House
Image: Papers and open packages of 'emergency escape hoods' were left strewn on desks in the House
Members of the National Guard stand guard against pro-Trump supporters outside of the Capitol
Image: Members of the National Guard stand guard against pro-Trump supporters outside of the Capitol
An explosion caused by a police munition by the Capitol Building
Image: An explosion caused by a police munition by the Capitol Building

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