Attack on the US Capitol

The customary certification of the US electoral college votes by Congress on 6th January, usually an overlooked set-piece of political theatre, was hijacked as a violent insurrection laid siege to Capitol Hill.

The day began with President Trump persisting in his unfounded claims of election victory at a rally he'd orchestrated and guiding his followers to march on the Capitol.

Trump: "We will never give up, we will never concede. It doesn't happen, you don't concede when there's theft involved."

Taking Trump at his word, the crowd made for the Capitol, those intent on violence mixed in among some peaceful demonstrators.

At the poorly guarded Capitol, Congress's dedicated police service quickly found itself inundated as the mob broke the perimeter and stormed the Capitol.

Vice President Mike Pence and legislators were shepherded to safety while a rearguard action delayed the mob before it overran both chambers. Rioters ransacked offices and turned their aggression on the media, seizing and vandalising cameras and broadcast equipment.

The life of one Capitol police officer was taken and injuries sustained by over 60 of his colleagues. Four rioters also died.

Reinforcements from Washington's metropolitan police and surrounding states successfully subdued the insurgents and defiant legislators returned to confirm the election with Vice President Mike Pence making an address to Congress.

Pence: "Today was a dark day in the history of the United States Capitol. But thanks to the swift efforts of US Capitol police, federal, state and local law enforcement, the violence was quelled."

Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a declaration to the House as congresspeople reconvened to verify the ballots.

Pelosi: "Today, a shameful assault was made on our democracy. It cannot, however, deter us from our responsibility to validate the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris."

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