US Capitol rioters lay siege on police in mob attack

Thousands of rioters, bent on breaking into the US Capitol, rushed a few dozen police officers guarding the West front of the building.

Armed with metal pipes, pepper spray and other weapons, supporters, seething over President Donald Trump’s election loss, pushed past the thin police line.

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

Rioters breached the line moments later, and 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.