After President Donald Trump told a crowd outside the White House that they should never accept defeat, hundreds of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday.
The chaotic and violent scene brought to a sudden halt the joint session of Congress to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s electoral victory for the presidency.
The mob carrying Trump flags bashed through Capitol doors and windows, forcing their way past police officers unprepared for the onslaught. Lawmakers were ushered away shortly before an armed standoff at the House doors. Canisters of tear gas were fired across the Rotunda’s marble floor. At least one person, a woman, was shot and taken to an ambulance outside. She later died.
Amanda Voisard / For TheWashington Post
Congressional staff members are ushered out of the Capitol after rioters breached the building, interrupting a joint congressional session to count the electoral votes.
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces as rioters try to storm the U.S. Capitol. National Guard troops were later deployed to support law enforcement.
Andrew Harnik / Associated Press
People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber. The U.S. Capitol went into lockdown as a mob breached the building.
Michael Robinson Chavez / Washington Post
Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.
Joseph Prezioso / AFP via Getty Images