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January 6 US Capitol riot

October 25, 2024

On January 6, 2021, thousands of Donald Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol. The rioters were attempting to stop the US Senate from certifying the results of the 2020 election, which Trump lost.

Thousands of Donald Trump supporters standing on the steps of the US Capitol building in Washington DC on January 6, 2021
The FBI estimates between 2,000 and 5,000 rioters stormed the US capitol building on January 6Image: Leah Millis/REUTERS

January 6, 2021, is a critical date in the history of United States democracy.

As US lawmakers were certifying the 2020 election result, then-President Donald Trump, who lost to Joe Biden, called on his supporters to march to the US Capitol to protest. A riot ensued as thousands of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building, overwhelming law enforcement officials.

The insurrection resulted in six deaths and the hospitalization of 174 police officers. Over 1,200 were charged with federal crimes, including Trump. 

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