Shocking footage captured the moment hundreds of German protesters tried to storm into the historic Reichstag building. Police barricades were overwhelmed by the furious protesters, who were demonstrating against the German government's COVID-19 protection measures. A violent confrontation with police at the German parliament broke out after a daylong rally, which drew nearly 40,000 protesters to the Berlin streets.

Similar protests also erupted across European capitals in London, Paris and Zurich, although these rallies were smaller in size.

Dramatic footage from the rally in Berlin showed hundreds of protesters run past police and up the stairs of the historic Reichstag building.

However, the police intercepted the protesters before they were able to enter the actual parliament.

Berlin police later said stones and bottles were thrown by the protesters during the confrontation.