Tense officers pointing guns, lawmakers with gas masks, camouflaged protesters smashing windows - this was the day that President Donald Trump's bid to overturn the US election went "wild".
Inside the great domed US Capitol building, initially out of view of the cameras, images emerged of a scene that resembled something from a coup d'etat.
Trump supporters, waving his blue flags and wearing his red campaign hats, stormed through the building, making it right into the debating chamber.
Trump supporters wearing caps and costumes stormed the Capitol building. Photo: AFP
A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Photo: AFP
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest in the US Capitol Rotunda. Photo: AFP
Protestors gathered outside the building, and then forced their way in. Photo: AFP
Trump supporters clash with police. Photo: AFP
US Capitol police officers point their guns at a door that was vandalised in the House Chamber. Photo: AFP
Trump supporters smashed windows, stormed the House and posed for photos, in surreal scenes. Photo: AFP
A protester hangs from the balcony in the Senate Chamber. Photo: AFP
IS Capitol Police stand detain protesters outside of the House Chamber. Photo: AFP