Police bludgeoned with flags by pro-Trump mob storming Capitol

Vision has emerged of the moment police officers were bludgeoned with flags by a pro-Trump mob as they stormed the Capitol.

Video has emerged of the moment supporters of President Donald Trump bludgeoned police officers with pro-Trump and US flags as they stormed the Capitol building.

As the mob shouted “USA, USA”, some of those in pro-Trump regalia were seen throwing their flags and a pair of crutches like spears, while others repeatedly hit officers on the ground or attempting to keep them at bay.

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The violence on January 6 turned deadly for both sides. Picture: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

Pro-Trump supporters storm the Capitol following a rally. Picture: Samuel Corum/Getty Images North America/AFP

Mr Trump had urged supporters to come to Washington for a “Save America March”, as Congress ceremonially counted President-elect Joe Biden’s win.

On December 19, he tweeted: “Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!”

Last Wednesday, the day the violence erupted in the US capital, Mr Trump told a rally: “We’re going to have to fight much harder.”

“You have to show strength, and you have to be strong,” he said.

RELATED: Capitol cop dies by suicide after riot

The mob pushes over barricades. Picture: Roberto Schmidt/AFP

Congressman Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio and chair of a subcommittee with jurisdiction over the Capitol and its police, said up to 60 officers were injured during the insurrection and 15 of those were hospitalised.

“These guys were hitting the Capitol Police in the head with lead pipes,” he said.

Police Officer Brian Sicknick, also an Iraq War veteran, died on January 7 from injuries he suffered the previous day.

Law enforcement officials told The New York Times he had been struck by rioters with a fire extinguisher.

A homicide investigation has been opened into his death.

On Sunday, hundreds of police lined Constitution Ave and saluted as a hearse rolled by carrying his body.

US Capital police stand at attention as the casket with fallen police officer, Brian Sicknick, passes on January 10. Picture: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP

US Capital police during the funeral procession. Picture: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP

Four supporters of the outgoing president also died including Ashli Babbitt, 35, who was shot in the chest.

After “one of the darkest days” in the nation’s history, Mr Biden said: “They weren’t protesters. Don’t dare call them protesters. They were a riotous mob, insurrectionists, domestic terrorists.”

Security has been stepped up in the aftermath of the attack.

A two-metre high black metal fence has been erected around the historic building, where it is expected to remain for 30 days including Inauguration Day on January 20.

A Capitol Police officer stands with members of the National Guard behind a crowd control fence surrounding Capitol Hill. Picture: Brendan Smialowski/AFP

With AFP