Scenes of mayhem at US Capitol

A mob invading the US Capitol. Police officers with guns drawn inside the House of Representatives. Lawmakers hiding from intruders seeking to overturn a national election.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a rally Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

These and other scenes from Capitol Hill shocked the world Wednesday as violent protesters loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the nation's halls of power in a brazen attempt to undercut democracy and keep Democrat Joe Biden from replacing Trump in the White House in two weeks.

People listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

The chaos halted Congress' constitutionally mandated counting of the Electoral College results, which showed Biden defeated Trump, 306-232.

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: AP

In the morning, Trump rallied his supporters outside the White House and urged them to march to the Capitol. Hours later, after they fought police and breached the building, he told them to "go home in peace." He described them as "very special people" whose cause he supported.

Police keep a watch on demonstrators who tried to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: AP

Biden, speaking from Wilmington, Delaware, called on Trump to go on national television to demand "an end to this siege."

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: AP

Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier, Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: AP

A woman is helped up by police during a rally Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at the Capitol in Washington. Photo: AP

Trump supporters gesture to US Capitol Police in the hallway outside of the Senate chamber at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, January 6, 2021. Photo: AP

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

Lawmakers evacuate the floor as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

People shelter in the House gallery as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

US Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as protesters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

US Capitol Police hold protesters at gun-point near the House Chamber inside the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

Papers and other equipment after the House floor was evacuate as protesters tried to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol on Wednesday, Jan 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the US Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, in Washington. Photo: AP

Trump supporters gather outside the Capitol, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington.