This January 6 was to be the day of the confirmation of the election of Joe Biden to the American presidency.
It will remain as that of the intrusion into the precincts of the prestigious Capitol of several hundred supporters of the defeated President, Donald Trump.
A sad historic first for the United States, which gave rise to surreal scenes.
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THE MEETING.
Thousands of pro-Trump Americans first gathered near Capitol Hill, after the vindictive speech by the defeated president, who still disputes his defeat.
AFP
THE BEGINNING OF TENSIONS.
At first, the police tried to block the access of the congressional precinct to the demonstrators, and clashes occurred.
AFP
INTRUSION.
The chain of events is still unclear.
But several hundred pro-Trump have in any case managed to enter the Capitol.
Some going through the windows, despite the police presence.
REUTERS
REUTERS
UNCHAINED PRO-TRUMP.
Disguised, some with flags to the glory of Donald Trump, they took possession of the premises.
AFP
A SURREALIST VISIT.
The police presence, obviously too small, did not prevent intruders from wandering around the precincts of Congress.
"We are taking over the Chamber", "this is our parliament", some shouted.
AFP
AFP
AFP
THE EVACUATED BEDROOM.
The elected representatives of the House of Representatives, who were debating the complaints filed by elected Republican officials against the election of Joe Biden, were evacuated.
The police then attempted to protect access to the Chamber.
AFP
AFP
AFP
THE BEDROOM INVADED.
The Capitol police, however, had to resign themselves to letting pro-Trump in.
Which gave rise to incredible scenes with an insurrectionary feel.
AFP
AFP
AFP
AFP
OFFICES VISITED.
At the same time, Trumpists invaded the offices of elected American officials.
Like this photo of House Democrat Leader Nancy Pelosi.
AFP
AFP
PRO-TRUMP STOPPED.
The police, however, managed to neutralize a still unknown number of intruders.
AFP
EXPLOSION OUTSIDE.
As night began to fall, an explosion caused by police rang out.
AFP
RETURN TO CALM.
In the evening, while a curfew had been decreed at 6 pm in Washington (midnight in Paris), the steps of the Capitol seemed less crowded and the building was finally "secure".
REUTERS