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Let’s talk about January 6th, 2021

January 6th and the Capitol Riots: What We Know, Part 1

Why is this day important?

Why is this day important? On January 6th election certification was interrupted as violent protesters threatened the lives of congress. It was the first major attack on our capital since 1814.

January 6th was supposed to be a boring, routine formality that is usually ignored by the public.

Instead, it turned into a day of violence-fueled insurrection.

What was Congress doing that day?

Congress convened to certify the Electoral College’s results and formally announce Biden as the winner of the 2020 presidential election.

This is one of several routine steps to electing the president.

Why were people protesting?

Why were people protesting? Many believed the long-running disinfo campaign by Trump that the election was stolen. This campaign called Stop the Steal began in 2016 (when he thought he'd lose to Clinton) and was ramped up throughout the 2020 election.

People convened at a rally outside the White House to protest the certification of the results.

Many believed the claims of the long-running disinformation campaign by former president Trump that the 2020 election was stolen. These claims actually began in 2016 and were ramped up throughout 2020 in advance of the general election.

The people there were:

  • Some came out of a misplaced sense of “duty” to save the country.
  • Some were just trouble makers
  • Some were actual fascists/extremists
Who came to the protest? A mix of people including: People who believed it was their duty to protest and save the election. People intending to make trouble. Some actual fascist/extremist groups who wanted to overthrow the government.

Was the rally legal?

Was the protest legal? Yes. People have the right to peacefully assemble and protest. But it very quickly became something that is illegal: a riot.

Yes. People have the right to peacefully assemble and protest.

However, it very quickly became something illegal: a riot.

Violence at the Capitol

January 6th and the Capitol Riots: What We Know, Part 2

Were the protesters armed? Was there violence during the riots?

Were the protestors armed? Some members of Congress have taken issue with the use of the words armed insurrection. But there are hours of video evidence that shows some of the rioters were armed with guns, bear spray, tasers, and clubs.

Yes, we have hours of video accounts documenting the violence.

We also have text messages from the Chief of Staff to members of Congress.

What was the extent of the violence?

What was the extent of the violence? Thousands of people stormed the Capitol building overwhelming Capitol police. They broke windows and ransacked the offices of several Congressmen. Several deaths, including four suicides by Capitol police officers, have been attributed to the violence.

Hundreds of people stormed the Capitol building and quickly overwhelmed Capitol police.

Members of the group were armed with guns, tasers, bear spray, and clubs.

They broke windows and ransacked the offices of several Congressmen and the floor of the House.

Several deaths, including 4 suicides by Capitol police officers, have been attributed to the violence.

The National Guard was deployed to quell the riot.

Who was responsible for the violence?

Who was responsible for the violence? Despite rumors, there is no evidence that the FBI, Antifa, or any left extremist group had anything to do with Jan. 6th. More than 725 people were charged with various crimes in relation to the insurrection. 75 were charged with using deadly weapons.

Despite rumors, there is no evidence that FBI, BLM, Antifa, or any left extremist group had anything to do with Jan. 6th.

We do have evidence, from Facebook and Parler, that several groups came to the protest specifically hoping to incite a riot and complete a coup. They include:

  • The Proud Boys
  • The 3%’s
  • Members of QAnon, including the infamous QAnon Shaman
  • People who came to protest but got caught up in the moment

So far more than 700 people have been charged with crimes stemming from the Capitol riot, including 225 people who were charged with assault or resisting arrest.

Was it an insurrection?

Can you call it an insurrection? Yes. Any act of violence whose intent is revolt against the government is an insurrection. People inciting that violence can be charged with sedition. Because the violence was part of a plan to overturn election results the term coup also applies.

Yes. Any act of violence whose intent is revolt against the government or civil authority can be termed an insurrection. Furthermore, people inciting that violence can be charged with sedition.

Because the intent of the violence was to overturn election results and change the leaders of the government, the term coup (short for coup d’état) also applies.

The Aftermath

January 6th and the Capitol Riots: What We Know, Part 3

Did the insurrection achieve any of its goals?

Did the insurrection achieve any of its goals? No. After sheltering in place for several hours, Congress reconvened and certified the election results, naming Joe Biden president.

No. After sheltering in place for several hours, Congress reconvened and certified the election results, naming Joe Biden president.

What happened to the leaders of the insurrection?

What happened to the leaders of the insurrection? Several leaders of the attack were charged and convicted. Prosecutors charged 727 people with various crimes. So far 50 have been found guilty, 0 were acquitted, and 4 cases were dismissed.

Several people were charged and convicted, including:

  • Jake “The QAnon Shaman” Chansley: Sentenced to 41 months in prison, fined $2,000 and will be on supervised release for 3 years after his sentence.
  • The trial of Proud Boy leaders Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, Zachary Rehl and Charles Donoh is still ongoing.
  • Proud Boy member Matthew Greene was the first to publicly plead guilty to conspire to prevent Congress from certifying the results of the Electoral College.

Were any members of Congress involved?

Were any Congressmen involved? This is still under investigation by the FBI and a Congressional Select Committee. Eight Senators and 139 Congressmen voted against certifying the results after the riot. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, of the Jan. 6th special committee, has said they will subpoena Congressmen if necessary.

This is still under investigation and heavy scrutiny as 147 members of Congress (both in the House and Senate) voted against certifying the results.

Why should we care about January 6th?

Why should we still care about Jan. 6th? January 6th, 2021 is important because of what it might mean for January 2025. Attempting to overturn an election could set a dangerous precedent for future elections. Our democracy depends on the peaceful and legitimate transfer of power. Without that our democracy fails.

While the insurrectionists did not win that day, violent attempts to voice dissent are problematic.

Closer to the heart of the issue is the nature of what they were protesting and what it calls into question, which is election integrity. By casting doubts on the election process, it casts doubts on the legitimacy of elections and elected government.

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What was Congress doing on January 6th, 2021? Congress met that day to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. This is normally a routine step in the process from election day to inauguration.