Capitol riots: Pro-Trump protesters storm the US legislature - in pictures

Protesters in support of US President Donald Trump swarmed the Capitol building, forcing officials to order lawmakers to shelter in place and halting debate in both the House and Senate. Congress was meeting to confirm President-elect Joe Biden's electoral college victory.

Dusk falls around the US Capitol as Trump supporters continue their occupation of its front steps

A protester carries the Confederate flag after breaching US Capitol security

Protesters wearing pro-Trump merchandise take photographs inside the building

One protester is seen carrying a plinth from a room at the US Capitol

Capitol police officers point guns at a protester from inside the House chamber

A protester jumps over a balcony to reach the Senate floor

Lawmakers and Capitol staff wear protective gas masks during the siege

A flag reading "Trump is my president" is waved by one protester

After sitting at the desk of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, one protester leaves a message reading "we will not back down"

Several protesters are detained by heavily-armed police

Protesters speak to police and other Capitol staff during a tense stand-off inside

Dozens of protesters celebrate after reaching the Capitol's central rotunda

Trump supporters pose for pictures on the Senate dais

Some of the protesters are wearing face paint and costumes

One Trump supporter is seen dressed as the Statue of Liberty

President-elect Joe Biden tells President Donald Trump to "step up" in response to the protests

Twitter describes President Trump's response to the protests as posing a "risk of violence"

Earlier, supporters of US President Donald Trump gathered outside the Capitol

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