US Capitol violence in 10 pictures: When pro-Trump mob stormed the building to overturn election

A violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn America’s presidential election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House.

A violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the US Capitol on Wednesday and forced lawmakers into hiding, in a stunning attempt to overturn America’s presidential election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House. (Photo | AP) 

USA’s elected representatives scrambled to crouch under desks and don gas marks, while police futilely tried to barricade the building, one of the most jarring scenes ever to unfold in a seat of American political power. (Photo | AP)

The rioters were egged on by Trump, who has spent weeks falsely attacking the integrity of the election and had urged his supporters to descend on Washington to protest Congress’ formal approval of Biden’s victory. (Photo | AP)

The president gave his supporters a boost into action Wednesday morning at a rally outside the White House, where he urged them to march to the Capitol. He spent much of the afternoon in his private dining room off the Oval Office watching scenes of the violence on television. (Photo | AP)

District of Columbia National Guard stand outside the Capitol, Wednesday night after a day of rioting protesters. (Photo | AP)

Protesters clash with counter-protesters at the Capitol. (Photo | AP)

Supporters of President Trump, including those with guns and a bat, stand outside the Governor's Mansion after breaching a perimeter fence. (Photo | AP)

Supporters of President Donald Trump are confronted by Capitol Police officers outside the Senate Chamber inside the Capitol. (Photo | AP)

Demonstrators break TV equipment outside the US Capitol. (Photo | AP)

Demonstrators break TV equipment outside the the US Capitol. (Photo | AP)