US: Capitol police outnumbered as rioters lay siege

Thousands of rioters bent on breaking into the Capitol rushed a few dozen police officers guarding the West front of the building. Armed with metal pipes, pepper spray and other weapons, the mob pushed past the thin police line.

One rioter hurled a fire extinguisher at an officer, according to video widely circulated on YouTube.

“They’re getting into the Capitol tonight! They’re getting in," the man filming shouts in delight.

They breached the line moments later, and rioters soon broke into the building, taking over the House and Senate chambers and running wild in Statuary Hall and other hallowed symbols of democracy.

The mob ransacked the place, smashing windows and waving Trump, American and Confederate flags. The lawmakers who were voting to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory were forced into hiding for hours.