US House members told to don gas masks as tear gas used in the Capitol

Members of Congress inside the House chamber are told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas is dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda amid skirmishes by supporters of US President Donald Trump

Pro-Trump protestors breach the US Capitol this afternoon, violently clashing with law enforcement as lawmakers are gathered inside to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s victory in November’s presidential election.

Law enforcement instructs lawmakers to retrieve masks from under their seats amid the clashes. The Capitol building is placed on lockdown, as Trump supporters march through evacuated public spaces in the building.

After egging on protests, Trump tweets to his supporters to “stay peaceful” as they violently clash with law enforcement and breach the Capitol building.