Understanding January 6, 2021

On the afternoon of January 6, 2021 a mob of rioters descended on the U.S. Capitol to attempt to interfere with the certification of electoral votes from the 2020 election and prevent our rich tradition of the peaceful transfer of power. The rioters assaulted Capitol police officers, breached and entered the complex, destroyed property, and temporarily halted the certification of electoral votes.

How did it happen?

January 6th did not occur in a vacuum. For months following the 2020 election, then-President Trump falsely claimed election fraud and demanded the states, the Congress, and then-Vice President Pence to overturn the results and refuse to certify electoral votes cast from states like Pennsylvania and Arizona.  

After a rally at the Ellipse in Washington DC, his supporters, fueled by Trump’s lies, marched to the Capitol and began to clash with US Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police. The rioters then broke through police barricades, doors, and windows to enter the Capitol building. Both chambers of Congress adjourned, Congressional Leadership was evacuated, the Vice President was rushed from the complex for safety, and many Members of Congress became trapped on the Chamber floor, where they barricaded themselves for safety. The National Guard eventually arrived at the scene, and the complex was finally secured that night. Congress was called back into session and resumed the certification of the 2020 election.

Over 140 police officers were injured, 4 rioters were left dead, and 5 police officers died following the attack.

Use the buttons below to explore news coverage from January 6, 2021, by various domestic and international news outlets. (NOTE: Some articles may be behind an outlet's paywall).