Photos show the aftermath of an unprecedented siege on the US Capitol Building that left one rioter dead and countless injured

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Photos show the aftermath of an unprecedented siege on the US Capitol Building that left one rioter dead and countless injured
  • The US Capitol Building was vandalized during a riot by supporters of President Donald Trump.
  • 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.
  • One person was killed during the riot and countless others were injured.

The nation's capital entered mandatory curfew at 6 p.m. today following a never-before-seen siege on the US Capitol Building that saw rioters break into the 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, as well as countless injured. 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.

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Protests quickly escalated to riots and pepper spray was used to block access into the building. The orange liquid now stains the Capitol walls.

Protests quickly escalated to riots and pepper spray was used to block access into the building. The orange liquid now stains the Capitol walls.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. SHANNON STAPLETON/Reuters

US Capitol Police officers were forced to clean their eyes with water after tear gas and pepper spray was deployed.

US Capitol Police officers were forced to clean their eyes with water after tear gas and pepper spray was deployed.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call, Inc /Getty
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Rioters broke windows to gain access to the Capitol Building, with some entering and exiting unscathed by law enforcement.

Rioters broke windows to gain access to the Capitol Building, with some entering and exiting unscathed by law enforcement.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu

Countless broken windows like these can now be found around the building.

Countless broken windows like these can now be found around the building.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. Tasos Katopodis/Getty
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Security installations were rushed and the US Capitol Police was often overwhelmed since the rioters numbered in the hundreds.

Security installations were rushed and the US Capitol Police was often overwhelmed since the rioters numbered in the hundreds.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency/Getty

Pelosi's office was one target of the rioters, who left a note saying "we will not back down" in all capital letters.

Pelosi's office was one target of the rioters, who left a note saying "we will not back down" in all capital letters.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty
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Her office was further vandalized with rioters breaking mirrors.

Her office was further vandalized with rioters breaking mirrors.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty

One rioter sat at Pelosi's desk and kicked his feet up.

One rioter sat at Pelosi's desk and kicked his feet up.
A supporter of US President Donald Trump sits inside the office of US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi as he protests inside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, January 6, 2021 SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images
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He was later photographed seemingly unscathed outside of the Capitol with a piece of Pelosi's mail.

He was later photographed seemingly unscathed outside of the Capitol with a piece of Pelosi's mail.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. Spencer Platt/Getty

Multiple nooses were erected outside the Capitol.

Multiple nooses were erected outside the Capitol.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. ANDREW CABALLERO REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty
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Protesters erected a figure labeled "traitor" with a noose and its neck.

Protesters erected a figure labeled "traitor" with a noose and its neck.
A demonstrator holds a mannequin wearing a noose with "Traitor" written on it during a protest at the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, on, Jan. 6, 2021. ictor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Media cameras were also destroyed and a noose was made from the cable wires.

Media cameras were also destroyed and a noose was made from the cable wires.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. Tayfun Coskun:Anadolu Agency/Getty
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By the time day turned to night, at least one person had been killed in the siege.

By the time day turned to night, at least one person had been killed in the siege.
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building. ANDREW CABALLERO REYNOLDS/AFP/Getty