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In pictures: Chaos, violence, mockery as pro-Trump mob occupies Congress

Trump supporters broke into the Capitol building in bid to overturn US election results.
Dawn.com Published January 7, 2021

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

Comments (28) Closed
Anti-Corruption_Pakistani
Jan 07, 2021 11:52am
I blame Trump for inciting people to march towards 'Capitol Building' and creating trouble. He has proved to be the worst president of the USA and shown his true colours. Sad day for democracy! (Note: I have been advocating my impartial views for over 4 years against injustice, inequality, corruption, oppression and nepotism without supporting any of the political parties. My family, country and people's well-being are far more important to me than anything else. Please be aware of fake IDs!).
Recommend 0
M. Emad
Jan 07, 2021 11:54am
Donald Trump's 111th Coup Brigade !
Recommend 0
Faheem
Jan 07, 2021 12:00pm
As you SAW, so shall you Reap!!
Recommend 0
Ghayur Baig
Jan 07, 2021 12:10pm
Trump is saying "mujhey kiyon nikala"
Recommend 0
Kohi
Jan 07, 2021 12:12pm
What sort of of extremis is to be called?
Recommend 0
Kohi
Jan 07, 2021 12:15pm
Preacher of the world about the democracy is under test & Tria, let's face the music!
Recommend 0
Mudassir Hussain Azeemabadi
Jan 07, 2021 12:18pm
Trump legacy! For USA from day one, it was a disgrace to have this guy as a President.
Recommend 0
M. Emad
Jan 07, 2021 12:48pm
Donald Trump's Coup Brigade !
Recommend 0
SYED ADNAN SHAFQAT
Jan 07, 2021 12:54pm
they say it is the most secured premises on the planet, so anything is possible in politics ?
Recommend 0
kamran Khan
Jan 07, 2021 12:55pm
Funny, you tumble systems too. What goes around come around..
Recommend 0
Omer
Jan 07, 2021 12:56pm
looks more like IRAQ or AFGHANISTAN ........ but not AMERICA .... Worried if the American nukes are safe any more ?
Recommend 0
Chrís Dăń
Jan 07, 2021 01:03pm
A corrupt and immoral is an immoral wherever he may be. In character make up,Trump and Nawaz Sharif are like two sides of one coin.
Recommend 0
Tuntun
Jan 07, 2021 01:15pm
Vow we were seeing either ruwanda or uganda not capitol hill, is it civilised democracy we always heard of.
Recommend 0
hamid shafiq
Jan 07, 2021 01:52pm
people right to rule
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BAXAR
Jan 07, 2021 02:09pm
This is the sign of a deep turmoil faced by a nation contemplating a lower position in the world affairs. They are seeing their acquired privilege slowly disintegrating. Some of them feel that they have to do something and looking at Trump as the savior. For them, those who oppose Trump are defeatist betraying the nation. This is just the beginning.
Recommend 0
Ali
Jan 07, 2021 02:14pm
The people are rising up and taking control. This is what I'd call draining the swamp.
Recommend 0
Saad
Jan 07, 2021 02:20pm
It reminds me of PTI's attack on Parliament of Pakistan.
Recommend 0
Tuntun
Jan 07, 2021 02:43pm
Can't believe. is it a rss training camp or capitol hill? True face of 2 great democracies.
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syed akif
Jan 07, 2021 02:45pm
A befitting end to a wild, erratic presidency.
Recommend 0
bhaRAT©
Jan 07, 2021 02:46pm
An uncivil war is breaking out, and where Donald Trump is Mussolini, Führer Modi is Hitler. They would end up the same way.
Recommend 0
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Jan 07, 2021 02:47pm
As you sow, so shall you reap.
Recommend 0
bhaRAT©
Jan 07, 2021 02:49pm
@M. Emad, Articulated and in-depth analysis, coherent, arguments finely tuned and cogently presented. You have really worked hard at that!!!
Recommend 0
Asif A Shah
Jan 07, 2021 02:55pm
We have had our moments of embarrassment in Pakistani history. Ex- PM Nawaz Sharif engineered an attack at the Supreme Court of Pakistan and present PM Imran Khan violated " Dharna Rules" and attacked in the Red Zone. However, an attack on the U. S Capitol incited by the present President of the United States Mr. Donald Trump was truly disgraceful.
Recommend 0
Dr.AsHamed.
Jan 07, 2021 06:27pm
Democracy at work.
Recommend 0
Vijay
Jan 07, 2021 06:42pm
We, the Indians and Pakistanis, should be proud of the fact that such acts of violence have never happened in our respective parliaments.
Recommend 0
farid
Jan 07, 2021 07:53pm
Indian RSS crowd is very upset that Trump lost.
Recommend 0
Dr.AsHamed.
Jan 07, 2021 08:35pm
People own the capital building.
Recommend 0
Parvez
Jan 07, 2021 08:54pm
Trump going out with a bang ....he will be remembered come 2024.
Recommend 0
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