"I am very concerned after accounts that journalists & their equipment were targeted during last night's unrest in the #US. It cannot be overstated: the media are crucial in a democracy & should be able to report safely on such events," Ribeiro said on Twitter.

On Wednesday, tens of thousands of outgoing President Donald Trump’s supporters encircled the Capitol building to protest against the verification of Electoral College votes, some of which the protesters claim are illegitimate.

A large group of protesters entered the building and reached the Senate chamber where they engaged with Capitol police.

The Washington Metropolitan Police Department has reported that at least four people died during the protests. Reports also emerged that numerous journalists covering the protests were threatened and even attacked by demonstrators. Some videos published on social networks showed demonstrators smashing cameras and other equipment.