In Pics: Trump Supporters Storm US Capitol Hill

Four people died, including one woman who was shot by a police officer, amid protests and rioting on Capitol Hill by supporters of Donald Trump who swarmed inside the building amid a session of Congress to certify Joe Biden's election win, triggering unprecedented chaos and violence at the heart of American democracy and accusations the outgoing president was attempting a coup.

In a late-night news conference, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Robert J Contee said that 52 were arrested over the violence that saw pro-Trump rioters breaking windows, climbing on rafters, ripping down U.S. flags and roaming the Senate chamber. Lawmakers were told to grab gas masks as police deployed tear gas inside the Rotunda, the ornate area under the dome that connects the House and the Senate, according to the Washington Post.

An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of Donald Trump gather in front of the US Capitol Building.

A supporter of Trump wears a gas mask and holds a bust of him after he and hundreds of others stormed the Capitol building.  

Supporters of US President Donald Trump gather at a rally at Freedom Plaza.

Members of the National Guard stand guard as supporters of Trump gather outside the US Capitol building.

Supporters of Trump react to tear gas during a clash with police officers in front of the US Capitol Building in Washington.

Supporters of Trump react as they make their way past barriers at the U.S. Capitol during a protest against the certification of the 2020 US presidential election results by the US Congress, in Washington.