In pictures: Shocking scenes as Trump supporters storm the US Capitol

WASHINGTON D.C, USA. Jan 6- Outgoing United States President Donald J Trump maintained silence as his supporters caused mayhem in the US capital, Washington DC.

Trump supporters breached the Capitol building,clashing with police as congress’s election count was forced to come to a halt.

With security personnel being over-powered by the rowdy crowds, police alerted members of congress and staff to seek shelter, citing,”a security threat inside the building.”

Protesters had earlier broken down barriers placed near the capitol building as they engaged in altercations with police.

Reports also indicated during the turmoil, gun shots were heard inside the building with several people reportedly injured.

*Security personnel drawing their guns amidst threat of shooters in capitol building. Photo/Courtesy*

According to US News outlet NBC News, an improvised explosive device was found on Capitol Hill grounds.

Earlier on, congress kicked off the process of recognizing the results of the presidential election by counting the electoral votes that confirmed president Joe Biden’s win.

Trump, the republican candidate seeking re-election for a second term as president however denied the results of the election alleging voter fraud and rigging in various states that have in recent years leaned towards the republican party.

While the US President maintained silence, only tweeting to his supporters to remain peaceful, it was his Vice President Mike Pence who was more outright, telling protestors to leave the Capitol building and stop the violence.

I am asking for everyone at the U.S. Capitol to remain peaceful. No violence! Remember, WE are the Party of Law & Order – respect the Law and our great men and women in Blue. Thank you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2021

https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1346928882595885058

“This attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mike Pence tweeted.

Pence, who has insisted he cannot overturn the results of the election despite pressure from president Trump, was presiding over the electoral college vote verification process when protesters stormed the building.

Peaceful protest is the right of every American but this attack on our Capitol will not be tolerated and those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) January 6, 2021

He was shepherded to safety by the secret service.

US President-elect, Joe Biden in an address to the nation meanwhile condemned the violent protests,saying the scened of chaos at the capitol did not represent the true America.

Let me be very clear: the scenes of chaos at the Capitol do not represent who we are. What we are seeing is a small number of extremists dedicated to lawlessness. This is not dissent, it's disorder. It borders on sedition, and it must end. Now.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) January 6, 2021

Disgraceful scenes in U.S. Congress. The United States stands for democracy around the world and it is now vital that there should be a peaceful and orderly transfer of power.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) January 6, 2021

The DC National Guard has been activated in an attempt to restore sanity in the US capital.

Here are the scenes at the US capitol earlier on in pictures;