Yahoo News Photos show the aftermath of an unprecedented and destructive siege on the US Capitol that left 4 rioters dead
The US Capitol Building was vandalized two years ago today during a riot by supporters of President Donald Trump.
Then- Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's office was broken into with protesters writing "we will not back down" and one rioter taking a piece of her mail.
Five people died during the riot and countless others were injured.
The nation's capital entered mandatory curfew on the evening of January 6, 2021, following a never-before-seen siege on the US Capitol Building that saw rioters break into the legislature during a joint session of Congress and clash with federal police who attempted to hold them back. Protests surrounding the certification of the Electoral College quickly turned violent as supporters of President Donald Trump descended upon Congress following the president's speech near the White House.
Law enforcement agencies from around the capital including the United States Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived at the Capitol after the riots were underway. The neighboring states of Maryland and Virginia also sent National Guard and state police across the border into the District to assist.
The siege left at least one person dead by gunshot, law enforcement officials told NBC News and the Washington Post, and three others dead by "medical emergencies," as Washington Police Chief Robert Contee said and NBC News reported, as well as others injured.
Capitol police officer Brian Sicknick also died a day later after sustaining injuries from rioters. A chief medical examiner declared that he died of natural causes after suffering two strokes but later said in an interview with The Washington Post that the events leading up to his death contributed to his condition.
Law enforcement officials guarding the congressional chambers drew their weapons as rioters attempted to enter while pepper spray and tear gas were deployed.
The Capitol itself also sustained damage as rioters broke windows and climbed scaffolding to gain entry. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's office was also vandalized.
Here's what the US Capitol Building looked like after rioters failed to overturn the 2020 US election.
Protests quickly escalated to riots and pepper spray was used to block access into the building. The orange liquid now stains the Capitol walls.
US Capitol Police officers were forced to clean their eyes with water after tear gas and pepper spray was deployed.
Rioters broke windows to gain access to the Capitol Building, with some entering and exiting unscathed by law enforcement.
Countless broken windows like these can now be found around the building.
Security installations were rushed and the US Capitol Police was often overwhelmed since the rioters numbered in the hundreds.
Pelosi's office was one target of the rioters, who left a note saying "we will not back down" in all capital letters.
Her office was further vandalized with rioters breaking mirrors.
One rioter sat at Pelosi's desk and kicked his feet up.
He was later photographed seemingly unscathed outside of the Capitol with a piece of Pelosi's mail.
Other offices including the Senate Parliamentarian's were similarly ransacked and vandalized with papers thrown on the floor.
Source: Twitter
Multiple nooses were also erected outside the Capitol.
Protesters erected a figure labeled "traitor" with a noose and its neck.
Media cameras were also destroyed and a noose was made from the cable wires.
"AP equipment was stolen and destroyed during today's violent protests in Washington," the wire service told the Daily Beast.
Source: Twitter
By the time day turned to night, at least four people had been killed in the siege.
Source: NBC News
What appeared to be a flash-bang grenade, which reporters witnessed police using earlier in the day, also illuminated the Capitol's iconic facade. This is also where incoming presidents are sworn into office.
Source: CNN
The cleanup began later in the night as Congress vowed to resume the Electoral College certification.
Broken glass and damaged furniture littered the Capitol's hallways, with bullet holes appearing in some windows.
Source: Twitter
Windows that were broken appeared to be boarded up to prevent further access from rioters.
But the Capitol was already trashed with garbage littering its most hallowed rooms including the Rotunda...
And the Capitol crypt.
Protesters also left some of their signs in the building, including this sign that ironically says "treason..."
And this one with "stop the steal," referring to Trump's baseless claims that the 2020 US election was stolen.
Police then moved room to room clearing the building and liberating the trapped staffers who had taken shelter once the rioters breached the building.
The morning after, military personnel are standing guard on the perimeter to control access to the grounds.
Dump trucks are also used to prevent unauthorized vehicles from getting close to the building.
Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser extended a public emergency order for 15 days, until after Trump is out of office, in case additional riots form.
Read the original article on Business Insider
