Insurrection

January 6, 2021—Washington, D.C.

A day that began relatively uneventful quickly turned to bedlam after President Trump spoke to thousands of his supporters, encouraging them to continue to not accept the results of an election they claim was stolen. "I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard," said Trump during his speech at the Save America rally. He went on to proclaim “if you don’t fight like Hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore.”

Pro-Trump rioters and other right-wing extremists—some labeling them domestic terrorists—descended en masse on the Capitol as Trump’s speech was wrapping up. Violence quickly ensued as rioters breached multiple security barriers, seemingly catching U.S. Capitol Police off-guard. Rioters began grappling with police on the West Front of the Capitol as the mob continued to grow and eventually forced their way into the Capitol shortly after 2 PM.

5 people, including a U.S. Capitol police officer, have died and dozens have been arrested.