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In photos: the pro-Trump mob’s invasion of Congress

As seen from inside the Capitol building

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Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021, in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential Electoral Vote Certification.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump protest inside the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021, in Washington, DC. Demonstrators breached security and entered the Capitol as Congress debated the 2020 presidential Electoral Vote Certification.
Photo by Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images

On Wednesday afternoon, a mob of pro-Trump protesters stormed the US Capitol, resulting in chambers being vandalized and at least one death. The attack came in the middle of an ongoing vote to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, and it sent both lawmakers and members of the press scrambling for safety. Some found discreet paths out of the building, while others took shelter in the tunnels beneath the Capitol. But some photojournalists wandered the halls of the Capitol alongside the intruders, capturing stunning images of the mob at work. With police struggling to bring the nation’s capital under control, those images gave us a first-hand look at the chaos and disgrace of today’s events.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump gather outside the US Capitol.
Supporters of US President Donald Trump gather outside the US Capitol.
Photo by Olivier Douliery / AFP via Getty Images
The crowd breaches the door, waving Gadsden flags and pro-Trump banners.
The crowd breaches the door, waving Gadsden flags and pro-Trump banners.
Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images
Demonstrators breached security, flooding into restricted zones of the Capitol.
Demonstrators breached security, flooding into restricted zones of the Capitol.
Photo by Roberto Schmidt / AFP via Getty Images
An intruder waves a Trump flag on a flight of stairs near the Senate floor.
An intruder waves a Trump flag on a flight of stairs near the Senate floor.
Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images
Lawmakers were directed to shelter in place as the crowd attempted to breach the chamber.
Lawmakers were directed to shelter in place as the crowd attempted to breach the chamber.
Photo by Drew Angerer / Getty Images
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) wearing an evacuation hood, meant to protect against tear gas deployed elsewhere in the building
Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) wearing an evacuation hood, meant to protect against tear gas deployed elsewhere in the building
Photo by Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
U.S. Capitol police officers draw their guns as an intruder attempts to break through a barricaded door to the House Chamber.
US Capitol Police officers draw their guns as an intruder attempts to break through a barricaded door to the House Chamber.
Photo by Drew Angerer / Getty Images
Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) comforts Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) while taking cover.
Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) comforts Rep. Susan Wild (D-PA) while taking cover.
Photo by Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) are directed toward exits by Capitol Police.
Reps. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and Veronica Escobar (D-TX) are directed toward exits by Capitol Police.
Photo by Tom Williams / CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Protesters enter the Senate Chamber.
Protesters enter the Senate Chamber.
Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images
A protester screams “Freedom” inside the Senate Chamber after the US Capitol was breached by a mob during a joint session of Congress.
A protester screams “Freedom” inside the Senate Chamber after the US Capitol was breached by a mob during a joint session of Congress.
Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images
An intruder hangs from the Senate balcony, attempting to drop to the lower level.
An intruder hangs from the Senate balcony, attempting to drop to the lower level.
Photo by Win McNamee / Getty Images
A Trump supporter sits in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who was forced to evacuate.
A Trump supporter sits in the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), who was forced to evacuate.
Photo by Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images
A note left on Speaker Pelosi’s desk.
A note left on Speaker Pelosi’s desk.
Photo by Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters roam under the Capitol rotunda, where tear gas was later deployed.
Trump supporters roam under the Capitol rotunda, where tear gas was later deployed.
Photo by Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images
Trump supporters pose with a bronze statue of former President Ronald Reagan.
Trump supporters pose with a bronze statue of former President Ronald Reagan.
Photo by Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images
Protesters enter the US Capitol as tear gas fills the corridor.
Protesters enter the US Capitol as tear gas fills the corridor.
Photo by Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images
US Capitol Police detain members of the mob outside the House Chamber.
US Capitol Police detain members of the mob outside the House Chamber.
Photo by Drew Angerer / Getty Images

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