US Capitol riots: Husband pays tribute to shooting victim Ashli Babbit during pro-Donald Trump protests

The woman shot and killed during violent protests at the US Capitol has been identified as a US army veteran.

The husband of San Diego woman Ashli Babbitt has reportedly paid tribute to her after she was shot in the chest during clashes between supporters of President Donald Trump and police.

Speaking to local network KUSI News, he described her as a strong Trump supporter and a great patriot to everyone who knew her.

Mrs Babbitt is understood to have served in the military, completing four tours with the US Air Force and working as a high level security official during her service.

Police say they are investigating her death.

The day before her death, Mrs Babbitt took to Twitter to declare the “storm is here”.

“Nothing will stop us,” she wrote under the handle “CommonAshSense” on Wednesday.

“They can try and try and try but the storm is here and it is descending upon DC in less than 24 hours.....dark to light!”

She had also retweeted footage of protesters gathering and wished “Gods speed” to those taking part in the protests and declared January 6 as the day Republicans “start winning”.

The shooting happened as tens of thousands of protesters breached barricades and stormed the US Capitol building as lawmakers meet to vote on certifying US President-elect Joe Biden.

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

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

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

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