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Trump supporters storm US Capitol building and halt presidential election debate

US Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as Trump supporters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 6 2021. Picture by Andrew Harnik, AP 
US Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as Trump supporters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 6 2021. Picture by Andrew Harnik, AP  US Capitol Police with guns drawn stand near a barricaded door as Trump supporters try to break into the House Chamber at the US Capitol in Washington DC on January 6 2021. Picture by Andrew Harnik, AP 

The US Capitol building has gone into lockdown, with politicians inside, as violent clashes broke out between supporters of President Donald Trump and police.

Both chambers of Congress abruptly recessed as they were debating the Electoral College vote that gave Joe Biden the presidency.

There was confusion in the House chamber as the Capitol doors were locked and debate was suspended.

A representative from the Capitol police spoke from a lectern on the dais and told politicians to remain calm, and that more information would be available soon.

An announcement was played inside the Capitol as politicians were meeting and expected to vote to affirm Joe Biden's victory.

Donald Trump supporters gathered outside the Capitol building in Washington ahead of Congress preparing to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the US presidential election. Picture by Julio Cortez, AP
Donald Trump supporters gathered outside the Capitol building in Washington ahead of Congress preparing to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the US presidential election. Picture by Julio Cortez, AP Donald Trump supporters gathered outside the Capitol building in Washington ahead of Congress preparing to affirm President-elect Joe Biden's victory in the US presidential election. Picture by Julio Cortez, AP

Due to an "external security threat," no-one could enter or exit the Capitol complex, the recording said.

The skirmishes occurred outside in the very spot where president-elect Biden will be inaugurated in just two weeks.

Protesters tore down metal barricades at the bottom of the Capitol's steps and were met by officers in riot gear.

Some tried to push past the officers who held shields and officers could be seen firing pepper spray into the crowd to keep them back.

Some in the crowd were shouting "traitors" as officers tried to keep them back.

A suspicious package was also reported in the area, Capitol Police said.

The skirmishes came just shortly after President Trump addressed thousands of his supporters, riling up the crowd with his baseless claims of election fraud at a rally near the White House today ahead of Congress' vote.

"We will not let them silence your voices," Trump told the protesters, who had lined up before sunrise to get a prime position to hear the president.

Addressing the "Save America" rally on the Ellipse, just south of the White House, following speeches by his sons Eric and Donald Jr, Trump urged Vice President Mike Pence to help overturn Joe Biden's victory in the November election when Congress sat to certify the Electoral College votes.

"If Mike Pence does the right thing we win the election," Mr Trump said.

"All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people," Mr Trump said, repeating a falsehood he has been promoting leading up to the congressional session.

 Lawmakers prepare to put on gasmasks on the floor of the House of Representatives as Trump supporters  enter the US Capitol today. Picture by Andrew Harnik, AP
 Lawmakers prepare to put on gasmasks on the floor of the House of Representatives as Trump supporters  enter the US Capitol today. Picture by Andrew Harnik, AP  Lawmakers prepare to put on gasmasks on the floor of the House of Representatives as Trump supporters  enter the US Capitol today. Picture by Andrew Harnik, AP
With the White House in the background, President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Washington DC where Congress had been due to meet and was expected to endorse Joe Biden's presidential election victory. Mr Biden, who won the Electoral College 306-232, is to be inaugurated on January 20. Picture by Jacquelyn Martin, AP
With the White House in the background, President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Washington DC where Congress had been due to meet and was expected to endorse Joe Biden's presidential election victory. Mr Biden, who won the Electoral College 306-2 With the White House in the background, President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Washington DC where Congress had been due to meet and was expected to endorse Joe Biden's presidential election victory. Mr Biden, who won the Electoral College 306-232, is to be inaugurated on January 20. Picture by Jacquelyn Martin, AP