On January 6, 2020, the US Senate was scheduled to certify Electoral College votes, cementing Joe Biden’s victory over Trump. The routine process takes approximately half an hour to complete. Instead, it was interrupted by a mob that overtook the Capitol itself, incited by months of unproven allegations of mass voter fraud.
After months of fraud allegations and over 60 failed lawsuits, Trump delivered a speech on the morning of the 6th in which he refused to concede and promised to join his supporters in a march on the Capitol.
Rudy Giuliani, head of Trump’s legal team, also demanded “trial by combat.”
In the afternoon, Trump supporters began marching to “Stop the Steal.” A noose was erected outside Capitol grounds.
Protesters approached the Capitol, breaking through barriers and attacking media present, destroying their equipment.
Even as the protests around the Capitol escalated into riots, Trump fomented his supporters’ anger via Twitter, reiterating past claims that Pence could overturn the Electoral College results. The tweets were removed and his account suspended. Facebook soon followed with a suspension of their own.
Meanwhile, Trump supporters clashed with police and overran the Capitol grounds. In one instance, they replaced the US flag with a Trump flag.
As the violence escalated with police outside, Trump’s supporters breached the building itself, smashing windows and breaking through the main door. Instigated by Trump’s remarks about Pence’s unwillingness to overturn the election, they chanted “hang Mike Pence.”
Congress was evacuated in the middle of their session and taken to a secure location.
While the legislature was evacuated, guards were in an armed standoff at the entrance of the House chamber.
Capitol police ceded most of the building. Trump’s supporters’ occupation marked the first time since the War of 1812 that the Capitol had been seized by a hostile force. Offices were ransacked, while people recorded themselves going through computers and documents. One man was photographed shortly before 2PM, shouting that Trump had won the election in the House chamber. Two hours later another was photographed parading a Confederate battle flag through the halls.
They’re in the chamber. One is up on the dais yelling “Trump won that election!” This is insane pic.twitter.com/p6CXhBDSFT
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021
Pipe bombs were also discovered, though none detonated. The FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information on the suspect.
Police were eventually able to clear the Capitol, and the city of Washington DC instituted a 6PM curfew. By the end of the night, over 50 officers were injured, with over 60 arrests. A woman attempting to forcibly gain access to a barricaded area was shot and killed. She was later identified as an Air Force veteran of 14 years and a QAnon supporter. Over the course of the day, three others died, attributed to medical emergencies; one was reportedly the result of a man accidentally tazing himself and subsequently suffering a heart attack. That evening, Capitol officer Brian D. Sicknick succumbed to injuries sustained during the riots.
Once the Capitol was secured, the Senate resumed the certification of electoral college votes. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell denounced any further intervention in the election results by Congress, saying “it would damage our republic forever.”
While Mitt Romney accused Trump of inciting the riots and Linsdey Graham forcefully asserted that Biden was the lawful winner of the election, not all Senate Republicans agreed. Matt Gaetz baselessly alleged that the rioters were actually Antifa agent provocateurs.
An objection to certifying Georgia’s election results was dismissed after Senators withdrew support because of the day’s events.
Ultimately, at near 4AM, the process concluded and Pence announced that Biden was in fact the winner, and would be the next President of the United States.
A playlist of chronological videos, including many created by those inside the Capitol, can be found at Youtube – Remember45 | Capitol Riots
The New York Times – Mob Attack, Incited by Trump, Delays Election Certification
USA Today – Pence affirms Biden as winner, formalizing electoral count after day of riots at Capitol; Trump prepares for exit
Fox News – Biden’s Electoral College victory certified — hours after Capitol chaos
PBS NewsHour – Objections to Georgia results fail without senators’ support
NPR – 4 Dead, Police Injured, Dozens Arrested After Siege At The U.S. Capitol
CNBC – More than 50 police officers were hurt at pro-Trump riot at the Capitol that also killed 4
USA Today – DC riots live updates: Trump condemned, police defend actions, city stunned after violent Capitol siege
Snopes – Does Video Show Capitol Police Opening Gates for Rioters?
KUSI News – KUSI News confirms identity of woman shot and killed inside US Capitol
Revolt – Man died at U.S. Capitol after accidentally tasering himself and having a heart attack
SFGate – A QAnon promoter stormed the Capitol. Now, he’s upset people are saying he’s ‘antifa’
WTOP News – FBI offering up to $50K for information on DNC and RNC pipe bombs
USCP.gov – Loss of USCP Officer Brian D. Sicknick
Youtube – Remember45 | Capitol Riots
