2021 storming of the United States Capitol
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| Title | 2021 storming of the United States Capitol |
| Date | January 6, 2021 |
| Time | Approximately 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST |
| Place | United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. |
| Also known as | January 6 United States Capitol attack |
| Type | Riot, political violence, insurrection |
| Motive | To overturn the 2020 presidential election results and prevent the Congress from certifying Electoral College votes |
| Participants | Supporters of then-President Donald Trump, including members of far-right groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers |
| Outcome | Temporary occupation of the Capitol building; certification of election results delayed; multiple deaths and injuries; widespread criminal investigations and prosecutions |
| Arrests | Over 1,200 (as of 2023) |
| Inquiries | House Select Committee, FBI investigation |
| Casualties | 5 deaths (including a Capitol Police officer) and over 140 law enforcement officers injured |
2021 storming of the United States Capitol. On January 6, 2021, a mob of supporters of President Donald Trump violently breached the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., seeking to disrupt the joint session of Congress convened to certify the Electoral College results of the 2020 United States presidential election. The attack, which followed a "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House, resulted in multiple deaths, injuries to over 140 law enforcement officers, and significant property damage. The event represented an unprecedented assault on the federal government and triggered extensive criminal investigations and profound political repercussions.
Background and context
The event was precipitated by months of false claims from President Donald Trump and his allies, including Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell, alleging widespread fraud in the 2020 United States presidential election. These claims were repeatedly rejected by courts, state officials like Brad Raffensperger of Georgia, and the Department of Justice under William Barr. The "Stop the Steal" movement organized rallies, with a major one scheduled for January 6 in Washington, D.C., coinciding with the congressional certification presided over by Vice President Mike Pence. Trump's speech at the Ellipse that morning urged the crowd to march to the Capitol and "fight like hell."
Timeline of events
Around 1:00 p.m., as Congress began the certification process, Trump concluded his speech at the Ellipse. By 2:00 p.m., crowds had gathered at the Capitol, breaching outer barriers. The Capitol Police were quickly overwhelmed, and the mob entered the building by approximately 2:15 p.m., forcing the evacuation of Mike Pence, Nancy Pelosi, and other members of Congress. For several hours, rioters occupied the Senate chamber, the office of Nancy Pelosi, and other areas. The D.C. National Guard and other federal forces were deployed later that afternoon, and the building was secured by early evening, allowing Congress to reconvene and complete the certification in the early hours of January 7.
Participants and groups involved
Participants were primarily supporters of Donald Trump, including individuals from far-right and extremist groups. Key organizations identified by the FBI included the Proud Boys, led by Henry "Enrique" Tarrio, and the Oath Keepers, led by Stewart Rhodes. Members of these groups were later charged with seditious conspiracy. Other attendees included state and local elected officials, ordinary citizens, and some individuals with ties to QAnon. Notable individuals arrested include Jacob Chansley, known as the "QAnon Shaman," and Richard "Bigo" Barnett, who was photographed in Nancy Pelosi's office.
Government and law enforcement response
The initial security response by the Capitol Police and the D.C. Metropolitan Police was criticized as insufficient. Requests for the D.C. National Guard were delayed, involving officials at the Department of Defense and the White House. Later, the FBI launched one of the largest investigations in its history, code-named "Capitol Breach." The Department of Justice, under acting Attorney General Jeffrey A. Rosen, pursued charges ranging from trespassing to conspiracy.
Aftermath and investigations
In the days following, the House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump for a second time, charging "incitement of insurrection." The Senate later acquitted him. The House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack was formed, conducting a high-profile investigation that included subpoenas to figures like Mark Meadows and testimony before the Supreme Court. Hundreds of participants faced criminal prosecution in federal district courts, with many receiving prison sentences.
Political and social impact
The storming had a seismic impact on American politics, deepening partisan divisions and leading to debates about the strength of American democracy. It influenced the 2022 midterm elections and ongoing discussions about domestic extremism, security for the Capitol, and election laws. Internationally, allies like the United Kingdom and NATO expressed alarm, while adversaries such as Russia and China used the event for propaganda. The event remains a central reference point in contemporary U.S. history.
Category:2021 in Washington, D.C. Category:January 2021 events in the United States Category:Attacks on government buildings in the United States