The US Capitol has been placed under lockdown after pro-Trump supporters stormed the building this evening.
Both chambers of Congress in Washington DC were abruptly recessed on as they debated president-elect Joe Biden's win in November's election - which Mr. Trump continues to dispute.
The White House revealed the US National Guard had been called in by Mr. Trump following violent clashes between protestors and police.
Several officials had said at least one improvised explosive device had been found on the grounds.
Local emergency services said one person was in a critical condition after being shot and at least five people - including an officer - had been taken to hospital.
Mr Trump used Twitter to call for those at the US Capitol to "remain peaceful" and go home.
President elect Joe Biden has called for "this mob" to "pull back and allow the work of democracy to go forward".
A 12-hour curfew, beginning from 6pm local time, has been ordered in Washington DC by the city's mayor.
Here at home, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, has said he is shocked and deeply saddened at the scenes, calling it "a deliberate assault on democracy by a sitting President and his supporters".
