United States Capitol attack

United States Capitol attack
Title	United States Capitol attack
Date	January 6, 2021
Time	Approximately 1:00 p.m. – 5:40 p.m. EST
Location	United States Capitol, Washington, D.C.
Coordinates	38, 53, 23, N...
Type	Riot, storming, attack
Motive	To overturn the 2020 United States presidential election results and disrupt the Congressional certification of President-elect Biden's victory
Fatalities	5 (1 Capitol Police officer, 4 rioters)
Injuries	174 Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police officers
Arrests	Over 1,200 (as of 2023)
Accused	Thousands of participants; hundreds charged
Convicted	Hundreds (as of 2023)
Sentence	Various, including prison terms
Inquiry	House Select Committee, FBI investigation
Website	https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-cases

United States Capitol attack. On January 6, 2021, a mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump violently breached the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C.. The attack sought to disrupt the joint session of Congress convened to formally certify the Electoral College results of the 2020 United States presidential election. The assault resulted in multiple deaths, injuries to hundreds of law enforcement officers, and widespread damage, leading to unprecedented legal and political repercussions.

Background and context

The event was precipitated by months of false claims by Donald Trump and his allies alleging widespread fraud in the 2020 United States presidential election. These claims were repeatedly rejected by courts, state officials, and the Department of Justice. In the weeks leading to January 6, Trump and figures like Rudy Giuliani promoted a "Stop the Steal" rally, urging supporters to gather in Washington. The certification process, presided over by Vice President Mike Pence, was the final constitutional step before the inauguration of Joe Biden.

Timeline of events

On the morning of January 6, Trump addressed a rally near the White House, repeating election fraud claims and urging the crowd to march to the United States Capitol. By approximately 1:00 p.m., protesters began assembling at the Capitol grounds. Around 2:00 p.m., the crowd overwhelmed perimeter barriers and Capitol Police lines, breaching the building. For several hours, rioters occupied the Senate and House chambers, offices, and hallways, vandalizing property and clashing with police. The Metropolitan Police and the D.C. National Guard were eventually deployed, and the building was secured by early evening.

Participants and groups involved

The attackers included thousands of individuals from across the country, many affiliated with far-right and extremist groups. Notable groups present included the Proud Boys, the Oath Keepers, and the Three Percenters. High-profile figures like Jacob Chansley (the "QAnon Shaman") and Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by police, became emblematic of the riot. Investigations later revealed extensive planning and coordination by some militia members. Political figures, including several members of Congress, were criticized for their roles in promoting the event.

Immediate aftermath and casualties

The attack directly caused five deaths. Police officer Brian Sicknick died the following day from injuries sustained during the riot; four rioters, including Ashli Babbitt and Rosanne Boyland, also died. Over 170 police officers from the Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police were injured. The Capitol building suffered significant vandalism, and the certification process was delayed for hours until Congress reconvened late that night to complete its constitutional duty.

Investigations and legal proceedings

The FBI launched one of the most extensive investigations in its history, resulting in over 1,200 arrests and hundreds of criminal charges. The Department of Justice prosecuted cases ranging from misdemeanor trespassing to serious felonies like seditious conspiracy, with convictions secured against leaders of the Oath Keepers and Proud Boys. Concurrently, the House Select Committee conducted a high-profile investigation, issuing subpoenas and holding public hearings that culminated in a detailed final report.

Political impact and reactions

The attack prompted immediate and severe political condemnation. Within a week, the House of Representatives impeached Donald Trump for "incitement of insurrection," marking his second impeachment; he was later acquitted by the Senate. Global leaders, including Boris Johnson and Angela Merkel, expressed shock. The event intensified partisan divisions, influencing the subsequent 2022 midterm elections and debates over the health of American democracy. Several Republican members of Congress faced censure for their actions related to the event.

Security failures and subsequent changes

Multiple reviews, including by the Senate Committees on Rules and Homeland Security, identified critical intelligence and preparedness failures by the Capitol Police, FBI, and other agencies. In response, Capitol Police leadership was overhauled, and the Inspector General of the Department of Defense reviewed the National Guard deployment delay. Congress approved billions in funding for Capitol security upgrades, and the Capitol Police establishment of a dedicated intelligence unit.

Category:2021 in American politics Category:2021 in Washington, D.C. Category:Attacks on government buildings in the United States Category:Donald Trump