Jan. 6 marked one year from the Capitol insurrection, a day forever blotted in U.S. history.
Before Jan. 6, 2021, there had always been a peaceful transition of power in the U.S. However, growing distrust of election results which declared President Joe Biden’s victory.
Though other insurrections for political issues have taken place in American history, no group has ever been successful in breaching the Capitol building.
“You could hear all the screaming and you could smell the pepper spray,” D.C. Metropolitan Police commander Ramey Kiley said in a CNN interview on Jan. 7. “It was like I was walking into a war zone.”
In a bipartisan Senate report released in June, seven deaths were connected to the attack. Four people initially died, with three officers passing in the following weeks. An additional 150 officers were injured.
“I remember walking through blood,” said Robert Glover, D.C. Metropolitan Police inspector, in the documentary ‘Four Hours at the Capitol.’ “It came from one of the sergeants who lost a portion of his hand. We’re civilian police officers — we see trauma every day. We see the worst of humanity every day, but nothing can prepare you for that.”
Growing distrust of election results, largely suspected to be propagated by former president Donald Trump and extremist right-wing groups, incited the violence at the Capitol building. Protesters had gathered at barricades chanting, quickly becoming violent and calling for a coup against the government as the representatives confirmed the result of the election.
Protocol at the time prohibited the National Guard from taking action against the inciting violence until Trump gave the call to do so, which was delayed for seven hours.
During this time, the mob then passed through barriers, breaking in windows and doors into various wings of the Capitol building as representatives took shelter and police officers fought to regain control. After four hours, police were able to begin clearing the Capitol and securing the building.
Yet, there are still those who object to the nature of descriptions of the riot. As reports show 36% of Americans trust trust newspapers, TV and radio — the second-lowest percentage recorded — some turn to the interpretations on political figures.
“Right from the start, there was zero threat,” Trump said in a Fox interview.
“Let’s be honest with the American people — it was not an insurrection, and we cannot call it that and be truthful,” Georgia GOP Rep. Andrew Clyde said in a May committee hearing.
As perpetrators began to be arrested and stand trial, right-wing activists regathered at the Capitol for a “Justice for January 6” rally on Sept. 18.
They were met by counter-protesters, journalists and abundant security from the National Guard and the entire D.C. police force. Only four arrests were made.
“We’re ashamed of nothing,” Florida GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz said on Jan. 6, 2022. “We’re proud of the work we did on Jan. 6 (2021) to make legitimate arguments about election integrity.”
An NPR survey found that 90% of Democrats described the Capitol insurrection as a threat to democracy, compared to 10% of Republicans.
“In many ways… you see what you want to see on Jan. 6 based on your already-defined political persuasion,” said Kevin Madden, GOP strategist.
Even so, the current administration shared a defining message of hope for democracy in the U.S. on the anniversary.
“The answer to whether we will meet that test resides where it has always resided in our country — with you, the people,” Vice President Kamala Harris said. “We cannot let our future be decided by those bent on silencing our voices, overturning our votes and peddling lies and misinformation.”
“Now let’s step up, write the next chapter in American history, for January 6 marks not the end of democracy, but the beginning of a renaissance of liberty and fair play,” President Joe Biden said.
As of Jan. 28, 725 people have been arrested in connection with the riot. The FBI has estimated that 2,000 people may have been involved.
