Photography

Photos: Scenes from U.S. Capitol as rioters storm building

Hundreds of supporters of President Trump breached the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, disrupting debate over Republican objections to the electoral college results. The chaotic scene emerged shortly after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued an emotional plea for his colleagues to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s win and abandon efforts to subvert the results.

Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post

Security officers aim their guns at a door to the House chamber after pro-Trump rioters broke the windows while Congress was holding a joint session to certify the results of the presidential election.

Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post

Bill O'Leary/The Washington Post

A member of the mob hangs from a balcony in the Senate chamber after throngs of rioters breached security to enter the building about 2 p.m.

Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

People shelter in the House gallery as rioters try to break into the chamber.

Andrew Harnik/AP

Andrew Harnik/AP

After invading the Capitol, a pro-Trump mob member sits at the dais in the Senate chamber.

Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

Congressional staff members evacuate the Capitol after rioters bashed through doors and windows with poles bearing Trump flags.

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

U.S. Capitol Police help congressional staff members leave the building. At the House chamber's entrance, a standoff resulted in a police officer shooting a woman, who later died.

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

No entry or exit was permitted in the Capitol as law enforcement tried to regain control. “Stay away from exterior windows, doors. If outside, seek cover,” police warned.

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

A rioter scrawled an ominous note in red ink in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.): “We will not back down.”

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

A group composed largely of White men yell after breaching the Capitol.

Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

Mob members are held at gunpoint by U.S. Capitol Police near the House chamber.

Andrew Harnik/AP

Andrew Harnik/AP

Trump supporters clash with police and security forces.

Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

A man carries a Confederate flag outside the Senate chamber while another rioter sits after breaching the Capitol.

Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

Some rioters carry Trump flags and American flags just outside Statuary Hall.

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images

Men walk through the Small Senate Rotunda.

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Law enforcement guards a door as a mob tries to gain access to the building.

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Thousands gather outside near where President-elect Joe Biden is set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20.

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

Amanda Voisard/for The Washington Post

People cover their faces as law enforcement uses tear gas to disperse rioters.

Leah Millis/Reuters

Leah Millis/Reuters

Trump supporters scale the walls on the Senate side of the Capitol.

Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post

Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post

Police arrest a rioter after he breached the Capitol barricades.

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post

A woman waves a Trump flag as rioters climb scaffolding in place for coverage of the inaugural.

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post

A protester reacts after getting pepper-sprayed.

Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

Rioters clash with police.

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post

Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/For The Washington Post

A mob takes over the inaugural stage.

Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post

Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post

People assist those who are injured walk down the Capitol steps.

Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post

Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post

Trump supporters set off colored smoke.

Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post

Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post

D.C. police arrested 13 people, including three they said had guns. It was unclear whether any other agency took people into custody.

Katherine Frey/The Washington Post

Katherine Frey/The Washington Post

Flash-bang grenades and other riot-control tools were used to clear Trump supporters from around the Capitol as dusk approached. A citywide curfew took effect at 6 p.m.

Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post

Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post

A rioter who broke into the Capitol is helped off the West Lawn after getting pepper sprayed by law enforcement.

Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post

Michael Robinson Chavez/The Washington Post

A police munition causes an explosion after the sun sets on a violent day at the Capitol.

Leah Millis/Reuters

Leah Millis/Reuters