2021 U.S. coup attempt

{{afdem}}
{{silver}}{{update}}[[File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol 2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09265-2 (50821579347).jpg|250px|thumb|right| Any resemblance to the Beer Hall Putsch is purely coincidental.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/01/15/trump-hitler-us-capitol-beer-hall-putsch/|title=Trump's last days and the echo of one specific Hitler analogy|author=Ishaan Tharoor}} (Jan. 14, 2021 at 9:00 p.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>]]
{{USpolitics}}
{{cquote|President Trump was wrong. I had no right to overturn the election. And his reckless words endangered my family and everyone at the Capitol that day, and I know history will hold Donald Trump accountable.|||Trump's running mate, [[Mike Pence]]<ref>Zeke Miller and Chris Megerian (March 11, 2023). [https://apnews.com/article/pence-trump-january-6-capitol-riot-carlson-1e38cb44d55737031ca528b4f33aa1fb "Pence says Trump 'endangered my family' on Jan. 6"]. ''The Associated Press''.</ref>}}
{{cquote|Yesterday, in my view: One of the darkest days in the history of our nation. An unprecedented assault on our [[democracy]]. An assault literally on the citadel of [[liberty]], and the United States Capitol itself. An assault on the [[rule of law]]. An assault on the most sacred of American undertakings; ratifying the will of the people, and choosing the leadership of their government.|||President-elect [[Joe Biden]]<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/videos/politics/2021/01/07/joe-biden-capitol-riot-assault-democracy-trump-blm-bts-nr-vpx.cnn Biden: Capitol attack 'one of the darkest days' in US history.] ''CNN''</ref>}}
{{cquote|Accepting a pardon would only insult the Capitol police officers, rule of law and, of course, our nation. I pleaded guilty because I was guilty[…]. We were wrong that day, we broke the law — there should be no pardons.|||Pamela "MAGA Granny" Hemphill<ref>Robert Plummer (January 22, 2025). [https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvged988377o "Convicted US Capitol rioter turns down Trump pardon"]. ''BBC News''.</ref>}}
The '''2021 United States coup attempt''', also known as the '''2021 storming of the United States Capitol''', the '''2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol''', the '''2021 United States Capitol attack''', the '''2021 U.S. Capitol riot''', '''January 6''', '''J6''', and '''1/6''', was a failed [[self-coup|putsch]] and far right domestic [[terrorist]] attack that took place at Capitol Hill on January 6, 2021. Taking place two months after the [[2020 U.S. presidential election]], it was the culmination of [[Donald Trump]]'s first term, and marked a crescendo in [[right-wing]] [[populism]]'s creeping influence on American society and the [[culture war]] between [[Democratic Party|Democrats]] and [[Republican Party|Republicans]], all while kickstarting a new era of tension between the parties.

As the [[US Congress]] was about to certify former [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[Joe Biden|Joseph R. Biden Jr.]]'s victory over [[President of the United States|President]] and [[Narcissism|narcissistic]] [[2020 U.S. presidential election#Fraud claims|sore loser]] Donald J. Trump in the [[2020 U.S. presidential election|2020 presidential election]], a group of a few thousand [[far-right]] pro-Trump [[Paramilitary woo|paramilitaries]], rioters, and "patriots" '''''stormed the fucking Capitol building''''', demanding that Congress subvert the will of voters they didn't like and declare Trump the winner. The building was trashed and vandalized by the insurrectionists, resulting in dozens of injuries and the deaths of four rioters and one [[police]] officer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210108152604/https://twitter.com/KBAndersen/status/1347565149046124546|title=Family of rioter who tased himself to death: a "wonderful father and husband who loved life...loved his job and his coworkers and he loved his dogs. Kevin had a history of high blood pressure, and in the midst of the excitement, suffered a heart attack."}} by Kurt Andersen (3:25 PM · Jan 8, 2021) ''Twitter'' (archived from January 8, 2021.</ref><ref name=dapcevich>{{cite web|url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/capitol-riot-taser-death/|title=Did Man at Capitol Riot Die After Accidentally Tasing Himself? Five persons died in conjunction with the Capitol riot, but some reports surrounding their deaths weren't entirely accurate|author=Madison Dapcevich|date=10 January 2021|work=Snopes}}</ref> Most of the rioters had attended a "Save America March" (and rally) at the National Mall that morning, where Trump [[Authoritarianism of Donald Trump|urged his supporters to "fight like hell"]] and [[Rudy Giuliani]] asserted that "trial by combat" was the only way to "save" America from the radical anti-American/[[Communism|commie]]/[[SJW]]/[[Anti-racist is a code word for anti-white|anti-white]]/[[cultural Marxism|Cultural Marxist]]/[[antifa]]/[[BLM]]/"[[globalist]]s", or some trumped-up [[bullshit]] like that,<ref group=note>No pun intended (see, we used lower case!).</ref> and Representative [[Mo Brooks]] would also rile up the crowd as well. This was arguably the most terrifying disruption in the day-to-day functioning of Congress since {{wpl|1954 United States Capitol shooting|1954, when a small group of Puerto Rican independence fighters shot five Representatives|,}} and definitely had the potential to become so much worse.

As a result, Trump and his buddies were widely seen as being indirectly, if not ''directly'', responsible for the carnage that occurred – by even [[Mitch McConnell|some of]] [[Lindsey Graham|Trump's most obsequious of loyalists]]. Indeed, much of his cabinet resigned in disgrace over the next few days. 

The riot had a massive effect on the U.S. government, the [[Republican Party]], the United States as a whole, and of course, the Trump presidency, whose end was fast approaching. Following the failed coup, House Speaker [[Nancy Pelosi]] (D-[[Fun:California|California]]) and now-Senate Majority leader [[Chuck Schumer]] (D-[[Fun:New York|New York]]) called for Trump to either resign or be removed from office,<ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/07/chuck-schumer-calls-for-trumps-removal-from-office.html Pelosi and Schumer call for Trump's immediate removal]. ''CNBC,'' 7 January 2021.</ref> with the support of even a few less-than-crazy Republican Congresspeople. Many of the Republicans who added fuel to the [[Conspiracy theory|conspiracies]] and [[red baiting]] that led to this event, such as [[Ted Cruz]] (R-[[Fun:Texas|Texas]]), [[Lindsey Graham]] (R-[[Fun:South Carolina|South Carolina]]), the outgoing David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler<ref group=note>Both of whom only did the performative 180° turns to save their "legacies", because of the whole "history remembers the last thing a politician does" deal, as well as the fact that the former's term had already expired.</ref> (both R-[[Fun:Georgia|Georgia]]), and [[Fox News|Faux News]] pundits such as [[Tucker Carlson]] and [[Sean Hannity]], suddenly turned their heads and pretended [[Bullshit|they had nothing to do with the conspiracy theories that led to the violence taking place]]. ''Nothing.''

Trump was impeached for inciting the riot on January 13, 2021, making him the first President in American history to be impeached not once, but ''twice''.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-55656385 Trump impeached for 'inciting' US Capitol riot]. ''BBC,'' 13 January 2021.</ref><ref group=note>All 222 Democrats voted for impeachment along with 10 Republicans, while four Republicans abstained from voting.</ref> The trial itself occurred from February 9th to February 14th, concluding with a failure to convict Trump as not enough Republican senators would vote outside party lines. To date, it is the only time in history that a President has incited an attack on the Capitol, and only the second time that the Capitol was breached after [[UK|British]] soldiers stormed it in 1814 during the [[War of 1812]], over 200 years prior.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/06/us-capitol-building-washington-history-breach US Capitol's last breach was more than 200 years ago]. ''The Guardian.''</ref>

Trump, who had helped instigate the incident along with several Republican politicians and right-wing personalities, ''finally conceded the election'' (which he had previously refused to do even as he lost case after case after unsubstantiated legal case) before being banned from [[Twitter]] and most social media.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/07/politics/trump-biden-us-capitol-electoral-college-insurrection/index.html Trump publicly acknowledges he won't serve a second term a day after inciting mob] by Kevin Liptak et al. (Updated 10:58 PM ET, Thu January 7, 2021) ''CNN''.</ref> Keep in mind that these are the people who have the nerve to lecture Democrats and moderate Republicans on what it means to be a patriot.

==Um... What the ''fuck'' happened?==
Here is the timeline of the events leading up to January 6.

===Prelude===
[[File:TrumpRally7.SenatePark.WDC.6January2021 (50809602866).jpg|thumb|right|275px|Rioter parrots Trump's rhetoric...in ''British'' English, apparently.]]
The term "Stop the Steal" originated with [[ratfucker]] [[Roger Stone]] and the Committee to Restore America's Greatness PAC in 2016, when he was working on the Trump primary campaign for the [[2016 U.S. presidential election]], initially to assure that fellow Republicans did not keep Trump from being nominated and as a bogus [[voter fraud]] reporting site.<ref name=bennett>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/roger-stone-documentary-capitol-riot-trump-election/ The Roger Stone tapes: Previously unseen documentary footage shows the longtime Trump adviser working to overturn the 2020 election and, after the Jan. 6 riot, secure pardons for the former president's supporters] by Dalton Bennett & Jon Swaine (March 4, 2022) ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160310155755/http://stopthesteal.org/ Committee to Restore America's Greatnes] ''Stop the Steal'' (archived from March 10, 2016).</ref> Even after Trump was declared the winner of the Electoral College vote in 2016, the site continued to claim that there was voter fraud in an attempt to continue raking in donor cash.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20161223235444/http://stopthesteal.org/ Stop the Steal] ''Stop the Steal'' (archived from December 23, 2016).</ref> Almost immediately after Trump's loss in the 2020 election, Stone resurrected the "Stop the Steal" campaign, partnering with [[Ali Alexander]].<ref name=bennett/> "Stop the Steal" was the name of a November 14, 2020 rally in Washington, as well as other minor rallies at that time.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/11/13/trump-supporters-plan-washington-dc-rallies-experts-warn-extremists/6265591002/ Trump supporters plan rallies in Washington DC, experts warn extremists may attend] by N'dea Yancey-Bragg (Published 1:39 p.m. ET Nov. 13, 2020; Updated 5:15 p.m. ET Nov. 14, 2020) ''USA Today''.</ref><ref>[https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/right-wing-operative-ali-alexander-leads-stop-the-steal-campaign/ Right-Wing Operative Ali Alexander Leads 'Stop the Steal' Campaign] by Kristen Doerer (November 5, 2020 10:54 am) ''Right Wing Watch''.</ref> The Washington rally headlined conspiracy theorist [[Scott Presler]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210109152622/https://twitter.com/ScottPresler/status/1325919028653805572?s=20 Look forward to seeing you all this Saturday, November 14th, at the Freedom Plaza in DC. #StopTheSteal] by Scott Presler (November 9, 2020) ''Twitter'' (archived from January 9, 2021).</ref> Stop the Steal later partnered for a December 12 rally ("Let the Church ROAR") with Jericho March, a [[Christian nation]]alist organization.<ref name=seidel1>[https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/jan-6 Events, People, and Networks Leading up to January 6] by Andrew L. Seidel (2022) ''Christians Against Christian Nationalism''. Pages 14-24.</ref>{{rp|16-20}} On the same day, a competing pro-Trump Christian nationalist rally was held in Washington by Women for America First.<ref name=seidel1/>{{rp|20-21}}

Stuart Rhodes, leader of the [[Oath Keepers]] paramilitary group, began inciting his followers on November 9, two days after it became clear that Biden won the election, to be prepared to fight to keep Trump in office.<ref name=weiner>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/04/oath-keepers-trial-day2/ FBI got tip about Oath Keepers' plans for armed fight in November 2020: An FBI agent resumed testimony in the trial of Stewart Rhodes and others indicted with him in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol] by Rachel Weiner & Spencer S. Hsu (October 4, 2022) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Rhodes cited the 2000 overthrow of [[dictator]] [[Slobodan Milošević]], which included the storming and burning of the [[Serbian]] parliament.<ref name=weiner/> This was [[paradox]]ical since Rhodes wanted to overturn a democratic election based on an example of overthrowing a dictatorship.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2022/10/08/oath-keepers-trial-stone-rhodes/ From Serbia to Roger Stone, Oath Keepers trial traces threads of alleged Jan. 6 plot] by Spencer S. Hsu & Rachel Weiner (October 8, 2022 at 6:00 a.m. EDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Rhodes was later convicted of seditious conspiracy and sentenced to 18 years in prison.<ref>[https://apnews.com/article/stewart-rhodes-oath-keepers-seditious-conspiracy-sentencing-b3ed4556a3dec577539c4181639f666c]</ref>

Trump's refusal to accept an election loss under any circumstances can be traced all the way back to the [[2016 U.S. presidential election|2016 election]]. He first trotted out claims of a "rigged election" when he lost the 2016 Republican Iowa Caucus to [[Ted Cruz]].<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump-cruz-idUSKCN0VC1Z6 Trump accuses Cruz of stealing Iowa caucuses through 'fraud'] by Amy Tennery (February 3, 20168:13 AM) ''Reuters''.</ref> Later in that cycle he implied that he [[Double standard|would never accept the outcome]] if [[Hillary Clinton]] won the election.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/10/opinions/political-scientists-on-trump/index.html The scary part of an unpredictable President] by Yascha Mounk (Updated 8:36 AM EST, Fri November 11, 2016) ''CNN''.</ref><ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2016/11/08/politics/trump-election-day-accepting-results/index.html On Election Day, Trump still signaling he may not accept results] by Andrew Kaczynski & Nathan McDermott (Updated 10:37 PM EST, Tue November 8, 2016) ''CNN''.</ref> His rhetoric was shady enough, and loud enough, for sitting president Obama to chide him for it in October 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/politics/elections/2016/10/19/stop-whining-obama-tells-trump-chiding-fraud-talk/14890273007/|title='Stop whining,' Obama tells Trump, chiding for fraud talk|last=Freking|first=Kevin|date=October 19, 2016|publisher=Lubbock-Avalanche Journal}}</ref>

===Trump's attempts to overturn the election===
[[File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09426-2 (50813677883) (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|265px|Street signs defaced by rioters.]]
{{cquote|Dr. Eastman and President Trump launched a campaign to overturn a democratic election, an action unprecedented in American history. Their campaign was not confined to the [[ivory tower]] – it was a coup in search of a legal theory. The plan spurred violent attacks on the seat of our nation's government, led to the deaths of several law enforcement officers, and deepened public distrust in our political process.|||US District Judge David Carter<ref>[https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/zoetillman/judge-trump-eastman-coup-crimes A Judge Called Donald Trump's Postelection Efforts "A Coup In Search Of A Legal Theory": The judge concluded the Jan. 6 committee had shown at this stage that Trump and lawyer John Eastman "more likely than not" committed crimes.] by Zoe Tillman (March 28, 2022) ''BuzzFeed News''.</ref>}}

====Prelude continued====
Trump's shameless attempts to rig the 2020 election in his favor against his own people's wishes had begun ''long'' before even the first early votes were cast. Over the three months leading up to Election Day on November 3, he had publicly insisted on numerous occasions that mail-in votes were "insecure", and that "[[Projection|Democrats would try to steal the election]]". He sowed even more division through his many public statements, woo-pushing and dangerous information about [[COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19]], which ranged from refusing to wear a [[face mask]] in public to claiming that injecting oneself with Lysol cures COVID, holding enormous (mostly unmasked/not socially-distanced) campaign rallies, and encouraging his supporters to "''liberate''" states from partial lockdowns – all while [[Argumentum ad nauseam|repeatedly, consistently]] tweeting to his followers that the virus was no big deal. The logical conclusion from all of this is that Republicans largely took the pandemic less seriously and were ''far'' less likely to vote by mail than Democrats were (if they weren't already predisposed towards trying to sow doubt about America's democratic system, Trump made sure they were by first casting doubt on mail-in ballots). As even someone with ''Trump's'' level of intelligence could clearly see this, his next course of action was to sabotage the United States Postal Service, one of the most important government agencies by far, by appointing campaign donor and crony Louis DeJoy as Postmaster General, who was alleged to have financial [[Conflict of interest|conflicts of interest]] in running the post office.<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2020/09/14/postmaster-general-louis-dejoy-should-resign-over-obvious-financial-conflicts-of-interest-experts-testify/?sh=44ce1c77147c Postmaster General Louis DeJoy Should Resign Over 'Obvious Financial Conflicts Of Interest,' Experts Testify] by Alison Durkee (Sep 14, 2020,01:07pm EDT) ''Forbes''.</ref> Under his tenure, the cost to send mail has increased and mail deliveries have become significantly delayed. Mail dropboxes and sorting machines were systematically culled, especially in swing states and minority-majority areas. Trump also refused to boost funding for the Postal Service, because without that money they could not conduct universal mail-in voting, and instead said they should quadruple the price of mail to raise money.<ref>Grace Panetta, [https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-admits-hes-refusing-to-fund-the-us-postal-service-to-sabotage-mail-in-voting/ar-BB17Vcfv Trump admits he's refusing to fund the US Postal Service to sabotage mail-in voting]. MSN, 13 August 2020.</ref> Intentionally interfering with the passage of mail is a felony, punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison.

A few days before the election, Trump announced his intention to declare victory prematurely if at any point he looked to be ahead in vote counting.<ref>[https://www.axios.com/2020/11/01/trump-claim-election-victory-ballots Scoop: Trump's plan to declare premature victory] by Jonathan Swan (Updated Nov 1, 2020) ''Axios''.</ref> This was later confirmed by a subsequently released audio recording of former Trump adviser Steve Bannon speaking at an audio meeting in July 2020 in which he confirmed Trump's strategy and predicted that there would be a "firestorm" following such an announcement and that Trump's followers would go "crazy".<ref>[https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2022/07/leaked-audio-steve-bannon-trump-2020-election-declare-victory/ Leaked Audio: Before Election Day, Bannon Said Trump Planned to Falsely Claim Victory] by Dan Friedman (July 12, 2022) ''Mother Jones''.</ref> Trump's strategy for falsely claiming victory is based on the so-called "Red Mirage": where early results skew right because Republican voters tend to vote more often on election day, while Democratic voters tend to vote earlier with election day votes generally counted first and other votes counted later.<ref>[https://www.newsweek.com/red-mirage-meaning-trump-false-sense-victory-1715320 What Is the Red Mirage? Meaning Behind Trump's False Sense of Victory] by Adam Staten (6/13/22 at 1:09 PM EDT) ''Newsweek''.</ref> The meaning of all this for all the crimes that later unfolded after the election is that it showed premeditation by Trump.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/14/steve-bannon-leaked-audio-trump-jan-6-investigation/ Leaked Steve Bannon audio is worse for Trump than it first appears] by Greg Sargent (July 14, 2022 at 11:49 a.m. EDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

====Spurious lawsuits====
{{cquote|What [Trump's lawyers] Rudy [Giuliani] and Jenna [Ellis] are doing is a joke and they are getting laughed out of court. They are misleading millions of people who have [[wishful thinking]] that the president is going to somehow win this thing.|||Justin Riemer, GOP's top lawyer, November 2020<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/rnc-trump-stop-the-steal/2021/07/12/79e58a02-e320-11eb-934f-7e6c1927f261_story.html The Republican Party's top lawyer called election fraud arguments by Trump's lawyers a 'joke' that could mislead millions] by Josh Dawsey (July 12, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>}}

Immediately after [[Fox News]] called the election for Biden on November 7, 2020<ref>[https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2022/06/fox-news-editor-jan-6-hearing "Our Poll on Arizona Was Beautiful": Ex-Fox News Editor Defends Biden's Win in Jan. 6 Hearing Testimony] by Caleb Ecarma (June 13, 2022) ''Vanity Fair''.</ref> the White House inner circle split into two groups according to Trump campaign manager Bill Stepien, "Team Normal" (accepting the loss) and Rudy Giuliani's team<ref name=transcript2>[https://www.npr.org/2022/06/13/1104690690/heres-every-word-of-the-second-jan-6-committee-hearing-on-its-investigation Here's every word of the second Jan. 6 committee hearing on its investigation] (June 13, 20226:16 PM ET) ''NPR''.</ref> – never mind that Stepien himself had been part of "team [[big lie]] enabler" from July up through at least mid-November.<ref>[https://www.salon.com/2022/06/16/bill-stepien-pimped-for-the-big-lie--now-he-claims-to-be-team-normal-_partner/ Bill Stepien pimped for the Big Lie – now he claims to be "Team Normal": I heard Trump's campaign manager push the Big Lie hard after the election. Now he's telling a different story] by Bob Hennelly (June 16, 2022 6:00AM) ''Salon''.</ref> Trump knew that he had lost the election, he had been told so by his lawyers and election advisors, but it was irrelevant.<ref name=transcript2/> Giuliani went on to lead a constellation of lawsuits in the six battleground states, claiming voter fraud with little to no evidence.<ref name=transcript2/> Of the 62 lawsuits filed, Trump won only one, and it was one that did not change the outcome of that election.<ref name=transcript2/> This legal chicanery resulted in the suspension (with possible disbarment) of Giuliani's law license in his home state of New York.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/24/nyregion/giuliani-law-license-suspended-trump.html Court Suspends Giuliani's Law License, Citing Trump Election Lies: The former mayor of New York, once the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, is temporarily barred from practicing law in the state and faces possible disbarment.] by Nicole Hong et al. (June 24, 2021) ''The New York Times''.</ref> John Eastman, [[Sidney Powell]], and other lawyers who filed the lawsuits are also facing disciplinary hearings and possible disbarment.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/10/politics/ethics-complaints-attorney-misconduct-trump-election-reversal/index.html Inside the effort to disbar attorneys who backed bogus election lawsuits] by Tierney Sneed (March 10, 2022) ''CNN''.</ref>

Following Trump's 2020 election loss, his (as well as other) lawyers filed and lost over 60 lawsuits in an attempt to throw out ballots in swing states and subvert the will of the voters, alleging widespread election fraud while refusing to provide any [[evidence]]<ref>{{wpa|Post-election lawsuits related to the 2020 United States presidential election}}</ref> – all just to scam his deluded supporters out of their hard-earned money ''en masse''. To put it simply, this kind of strategy was paraphrased by [[Roger Stone]] in early 2019: "When you don't have evidence, you use theatrics."<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2019/01/26/roger-stone-indictment-reaction-intv-cpt-vpx.cnn Stone: When you don't have evidence, you use theatrics] (Jan 26, 2019) ''CNN''.</ref>{{efn|The original saying is, "When the facts are on your side, pound the facts. When the law is on your side, pound the law. When neither is on your side, pound the table."<ref>[https://quoteinvestigator.com/2010/07/04/legal-adage/ Legal Advice: Pound the Facts, Pound the Law, Pound the Table] ''[[Quote Investigator]]''.</ref>}} As the lawsuits failed and the vote certification process moved forward, Trump grew increasingly desperate to chisel himself out a victory. Just four days before the riots, Trump threatened Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to get him to "find 11,780 votes"<ref>[https://en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Trump-Raffensperger_Call_Transcript Trump-Raffensperger Call Transcript] (2021) ''WikiSource''.</ref> ([[PIDOOMA|one more than Biden had won the state by]]) for him<ref>[https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/10/trump-call-georgia-election-find-the-fraud 'Find the fraud': details emerge of another Trump call to Georgia officials]. Associated Press in Georgia via The Guardian, 10 January 2021.</ref> – a scandal that would have practically torpedoed the career of just about any other politician. John Eastman, who was formerly a dean and professor of law at Chapman University,<ref>[https://www.thepanthernewspaper.org/news/this-is-not-who-we-are-chapman-professor-represents-trump-in-lawsuit 'This is not who we are': Chapman professor represents Trump in lawsuit] by Jasmin Sani (Dec 10, 2020) ''The Panther''.</ref> even represented Trump at the [[Supreme Court]] over these spurious lawsuits.

A copy of the memo was later sent to federal Judge David Carter, who criticized it:
{{quotebox|The memo is both intimately related to and clearly advanced the plan to obstruct the joint session of Congress on January 6<sup>th</sup>, 2021.<ref name=transcript3/>}}

During this period of spurious lawsuits, Trump raised $250,000 from [[marketing]] a fund called, "Official Election Defense Fund", implying that it was to pay for litigation, but which did not actually exist.<ref name=transcript2/> The funds instead were siphoned to a newly created political fund, "Save America PAC".<ref name=transcript2/> The sales tactics and wording used by this fundraising effort closely resembles that of other [[spam]]my emails "associated with subprime mortgage loans, odometer-rolling used car salesmen, and shady internet businesses that rely on duping unsophisticated customers."<ref name=cameron>[https://gizmodo.com/donald-trump-fundraising-emails-250-million-jan-6-1849076009 How Trump's Ridiculous Fundraising Emails Raked in $250 Million for 'a Fund That Didn't Exist': The congressional committee on Jan. 6 has zeroed in on Trump's fundraising emails, which target mostly retirees, as the fuel of the Big Lie.] by Dell Cameron (June 17, 2022) ''Gizmodo''.</ref> Following the January 6 Committee's revelation, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that she was considering investigating the fundraising for potential fraud.<ref name=cameron/><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220614022741/https://twitter.com/NewYorkStateAG/status/1536535752502280193 The new details revealed tonight related to January 6 are disturbing. It's my duty to investigate allegations of fraud or potential misconduct in New York. This incident is no exception.] (7:27 PM - 13 Jun 2022) ''Twitter'' (archived from June 14, 2022).</ref>

====Attempts at corrupting the Department of Justice====
Following the election Trump had put pressure on then-Attorney General [[Bill Barr]] to investigate election fraud as part of Trump's attempt to prove that he had actually won the election. This was unusual because although the DOJ does investigate and prosecute election fraud, it normally does not do so until long after elections since it does not have the authority to decide election outcomes.<ref name=transcript5>[https://www.npr.org/2022/06/23/1106700800/jan-6-committee-hearing-transcript Here's every word from the fifth Jan. 6 committee hearing on its investigation] (June 23, 20227:31 PM ET) ''NPR''.</ref> Nontheless Barr did order the DOJ to investigate numerous allegations of election fraud in the 2020 election. Barr explained his rationale for this to the House January 6 Committee:

{{quotebox|I felt the responsible thing to do was to be – to be in a position to have a view as to whether or not there was fraud. And frankly, I think the fact that I put myself in the position that I could say that we had looked at this and didn't think there was fraud was really important to moving things forward.

And I – I sort of shudder to think what the situation would have been if the – if the position of the department was we're not even looking at this until after Biden's in office. I'm not sure we would have had a transition at all.<ref name=transcript5/>}}

Barr was essentially attempting to establish a bulwark against Trump's attempt to politicize the DOJ.

Barr resigned on December 23, and was replaced by Jeffrey A. Rosen as acting Attorney General. Shortly thereafter, an [[Anti-environmentalism|anti-environmental]] lawyer in the DOJ named Jeffrey Clark<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20220623184920/https://twitter.com/tribelaw/status/1539999961454190592 Why do they keep calling Jeffrey Clark an "environmental lawyer"? He's an ANTI-ENVIRONMENTAL lawyer, a hired gun for the fossil fuel industry whom Trump stashed in DOJ. Let's keep that straight. Don't give environmental lawyers a bad name, please!] by Lawrence Tribe (8:52 AM - 23 Jun 2022) ''Twitter'' (archived from June 23, 2022).</ref> met with Trump directly without authorization. It was against DOJ policy for anyone other than the AG, the assistant AG or someone authorized by them to meet with the president; this was done to keep politicization or the appearance thereof out of the DOJ.<ref name=transcript5/>

Subsequent to meeting, Clark drafted a letter to the Georgia State legislature for Rosen and Deputy AG Richard Donoghue to sign. The letter claimed falsely that the DOJ had evidence of fraud in the Georgia election that would be forthcoming. Rosen and Donoghue were pressured by the White House to sign the letter, but they refused to sign not just because it made a false claim but because the DOJ had no jurisdiction in deciding the outcome of the Georgia election.<ref name=transcript5/> In a final act of attempting to corrupt the DOJ, on January Trump called Rosen, Donoghue, assistant AG Steven Engel, Clark and other members of the DOJ for a meeting. Without telling Rosen, Trump had announced that he would be replacing Rosen with Clark as assistant AG.<ref name=transcript5/>

The DOJ officials at the meeting (other than Clark) explained at length to Trump why sending the letter was a terrible idea. At one point during the meeting, White House lawyer Pat Cipollone called the proposed letter that Clark would send a "murder-suicide pact" because it would require the firing of Rosen and Donoghue and would result in the mass resignation of DOJ attorneys in protest, likely resulting in widespread resignation of other US attorneys.<ref name=barrett>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/durbin-report-trump-pressure-justice/2021/10/07/b51712d4-2769-11ec-8d53-67cfb452aa60_story.html Senate report gives new details of Trump efforts to use Justice Dept. to overturn election] by Devlin Barrett (October 7, 2021) ''The Washington Post.</ref> The threat of mass resignation resulted in Trump backing down from his scheme.<ref name=barrett/>

Although the DOJ leaders managed to stop Trump from this terrible idea, Trump has endlessly persisted in repeating the big lie despite being told repeatedly by the courts and by leaders of the DOJ (Barr, Rosen and others) that there was no evidence behind any of the allegations of fraud that were sufficient to change the election results.<ref name=transcript5/>

====Coercing the Vice President====
Shortly after the [[United States Electoral College]] certified Biden's win on December 14, a lawyer named Kenneth Chesebro wrote a memo to Giuliani that during joint session of Congress on January 6, that Vice President [[Mike Pence]] should not count the votes from Arizona and that it should be sent back to the states to certify a group of Trump supporters who had declared themselves alt-electors.<ref name=transcript3>[https://www.npr.org/2022/06/16/1105683634/transcript-jan-6-committee Here's every word of the third Jan. 6 committee hearing on its investigation] (June 16, 20228:25 PM ET) ''NPR''.</ref>

January 6 was the day the [[Electoral College]] votes were being officially tallied and was basically the last possible moment when any objections to an incoming President's victory could be filed. Indeed, many Trump supporters, including the man himself, wanted Pence to overturn the election results that day – a power he, for obvious reasons, did not even constitutionally have to begin with.<ref>
Courtney Weaver, [https://archive.ph/oyy0Q Donald Trump pressures Mike Pence to overturn election result]. Archived from the original at Financial Times, 5 January 2021.</ref> The Electoral Count Act of 1887 grants members of the House of Representatives the ability to object a state's electoral ballot if joined by a Senator. Should this happen the chambers recess, debate, and vote on accepting or rejecting the votes. Prior to 2021 this had only happened twice, most recently in 2005 when then Ohio representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones and then California Senator Barbara Boxer (both Democrats) raised objections to Ohio's vote. Their stated intention was to bring attention to disproportionately long lines in predominantly Black precincts in Ohio and this was not approved or encouraged by 2004 runner-up John Kerry.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/01/06/electoral.vote/ Bush carries Electoral College after delay: Democrats challenge Ohio vote, push back official certification] January 6, 2005) ''CNN''.</ref> Numerous Senators, notably Ted Cruz and [[Josh Hawley]] (Republican-[[Missouri]]), filed a challenge to the certification of [[Arizona]]'s and Pennsylvania's votes respectively just before the mob stormed the Capitol and would challenge [[Pennsylvania]]'s results even after the riots had occurred.<ref group=note>Kelly Loeffler initially planned to object to Georgia as well but decided against it after the coup attempt.</ref>

Following Trump's failure in the Electoral College, Eastman developed a two-fold plan based on what Chesebro had developed to coerce Pence into overturning the election results, "to reject the votes and either declare Trump the winner or send the votes back to the states to be counted again."<ref name=transcript3/> The problem with this scheme was not just that it was illegal and unconstitutional but the lawyers involved, including Eastman himself, knew this.<ref name=transcript3/><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/20/trump-documents-fake-elector-plan/ Trump campaign documents give inside look at fake-elector plan: A review of emails and memos shows that lawyers advising the former president knew the plan was baseless but pursued it anyway] by Rosalind S. Helderman (June 20, 2022 at 6:05 a.m. EDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Pence's legal counsel, Greg Jacob, spoke with Eastman about this problem:

{{quotebox|Yes. We had an extended discussion, an hour and a half to two hours on January 5<sup>th</sup>. And when I pressed him on the point I said, John, if the Vice President did what you were asking him to do, we would lose nine to nothing in the Supreme Court, wouldn't we? And he initially started it, well, I think maybe he would lose only seven to two.

And after some further discussion acknowledged, well, yeah, you're right, we would lose nine nothing.<ref name=transcript3/>}}

Despite Pence having already rejected this scheme based on sound legal advice from conservative lawyers, Trump continued to pressure him on January 6 in private and in public at the rally:

{{quotebox|I hope Mike is going to do the right thing. I hope so. I hope so. Because if Mike Pence does the right thing, we win the election. All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become President. And you are the happiest people. And I actually – I just spoke to Mike.<ref name=transcript3/>}}

One might wonder who was this "we" that would become president was it just the royal "we" of megalomania<ref>[https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/132/5/1396/354862 Hubris syndrome: An acquired personality disorder? A study of US Presidents and UK Prime Ministers over the last 100 years] by David Owen & Jonathan Davidson (2009) ''Brain'' 132(5):1396–1406.</ref> or was Trump also signaling the members of his cabal who had committed crimes or would commit crimes to enact a coup that they would be pardoned or absolved?

Not content with Pence having supported the [[rule of law]] over his desires, Trump's response to January 6 rioters chanting "Hang Mike Pence!" was:<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2022/06/10/1104156949/jan-6-committee-hearing-transcript Here's every word of the first Jan. 6 committee hearing on its investigation] (June 10, 20221:27 PM ET) ''NPR''.</ref>

{{quotebox|Maybe our supporters have the right idea. Mike Pence deserves it.<ref name=transcript3/>}}

The coup plotters had planned for Republicans in Congress to object to the electors from all swing states that Biden had won, thus delaying the Congressional certification, and potentially allowing Pence to send the matter back to the states or just nullifying the election by fiat. This was known as the "Green Bay Sweep" according to ex-Trump White House staffer and coup plotter Peter Navarro.<ref>''In Trump Time: A Journal of America's Plague Year'' by Peter Navarro (2021). All Seasons Press. ISBN 1737478501.</ref> The coup plotters ran this plan simultaneously with the storming of the Capitol plan presumably as backup, but by not having Pence on board with the Green Bay Sweep, the two plans actually worked counter to each other: the storming of the Capitol stopped the vote count, and when the count resumed Pence decided not to allow further objections to the legitimate electors.<ref>[https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/jan6-peter-navarro-ted-cruz-green-bay-sweep-1276742/  Trump Adviser Worried He's Not Getting Enough Credit for Trying to Ruin American Democracy: Former Trump adviser Peter Navarro details the "Green Bay Sweep" he organized with "over 100 congressmen" to keep Trump in office] by Tim Dickinson (December 28, 2021 2:42PM ET ) ''Rolling Stone''.</ref>

===Preparation for the insurrection===
[[File:2021 United States Capitol VOA 1 (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|325px|Trump's speech in DC urging his supporters to go to the Capitol.]]
{{cquote|Be there, will be wild!|||Trump on December 19<sup>th</sup>, lighting the match for the mob<ref>[https://www.thetrumparchive.com/?searchbox=%22%5C%22Be+there%2C+will+be+wild%21%5C%22%22 Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud 'more than sufficient' to swing victory to Trump https://t.co/D8KrMHnFdK. A great report by Peter. Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6<sup>th</sup>. Be there, will be wild!] (Dec 19<sup>th</sup> 2020 - 1:42:42 AM EST) ''Trump Twitter Archive''.</ref>}}
{{cquote|Stop calling this a march, or rally, or a protest. [[Terrorism|Go there ready for war. We get our President or we die]].|||anonymous poster on TheDonald.win<ref name=timberg1>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/02/05/why-thedonald-moderator-left/ TheDonald's owner speaks out on why he finally pulled plug on hate-filled site: The Army veteran, a site moderator who owned its domain, watched with growing alarm as racism, threats and QAnon references flourished on the pro-Trump site. His former co-moderators called him a 'sellout' who went 'rogue' after internal schism.] by Craig Timberg & Drew Harwell (Feb. 5, 2021 at 10:26 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>}}
{{cquote|If they "certify" biden, we storm capitol hill. Executions on the steps.|||anonymous poster on TheDonald.win<ref name=timberg1/>}}
There were several websites that insurrectionists used to communicate with each other for planning and coordination, both before and during the riot, including on Telegram, [[Parler]], [[Gab]], WildProtest.com, TheDonald.win,<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/us/politics/capitol-mob-trump-supporters.html 'Be There. Will Be Wild!': Trump All but Circled the Date: Inside Trump supporters' online echo chambers, the chaos of Jan. 6 could be seen coming. People posted their plans to come to Washington – and showed the weapons they would carry.] by Dan Barry & Sheera Frenkel (Jan. 6, 2021; Updated Jan. 8, 2021) ''The New York Times''.</ref> and Zello.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/13/zello-app-us-capitol-attack-far-right Revealed: walkie-talkie app Zello hosted far-right groups who stormed Capitol: Audio and chat logs show insurrectionists communicated via the app, which has avoided proactive content moderation] by Micah Loewinger & Hampton Stall (13 Jan 2021 21.24 EST) ''The Guardian''.</ref> In the case of Gab, a hacker stole 70Gb of data from the site some time after the insurrection, including public and private data.<ref>[https://www.itpro.co.uk/marketing-comms/social-media/358744/hackers-steal-70-gb-of-data-from-far-right-social-network-gab Hackers steal 70GB of data from far-right social network Gab: The stolen data contains nearly 100,000 private messages from Gab users] by Danny Bradbury (1 Mar 2021) ''IT Pro''.</ref> TheDonald.win website was where people went after [[Reddit]] shut down [[Reddit#/r/The_Donald|/r/The_Donald]] in 2019 due to incitement of violence.<ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/26/18759967/reddit-quarantines-the-donald-trump-subreddit-misbehavior-violence-police-oregon Reddit quarantines Trump subreddit r/The_Donald for violent comments] by Adi Robertson (Jun 26, 2019, 2:10pm EDT) ''The Verge''.</ref> TheDonald.win was hosted and moderated by Jody Williams.<ref name=timberg1/> Williams claimed that he was appalled by the comments that he saw on his site ([[racism]], [[white supremacy]], threats, [[Holocaust denial]], and [[QAnon]]), his inability to fully moderate them, and the events of January 6, but nonetheless did not shut the site down until some time after January 21.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210121010411/https://thedonald.win/ TheDonald.win] (archived from January 21, 2021).</ref> A consequence of TheDonald.win being an open website was that quite a bit of information was archived by Advance Democracy, which provided a 135-page report to ''[[The Washington Post]]''.<ref name=timberg2>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/15/thedonald-capitol-attack-advance-democracy/ Gallows or guillotines? The chilling debate on TheDonald.win before the Capitol siege. Users discussed how to bring guns into D.C., how to attack police officers and what kind of zip ties would most effectively subdue members of Congress who voted to certify the election of Joe Biden] by Craig Timberg (April 15, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Much of the planning for January 6 on TheDonald.win did eventuate during the insurrection:<ref name=timberg2/>
*Debate over whether to construct a gallows or a guillotine (a gallows was decided upon)
*A map of the Capitol, including tunnel locations
*Discussion of how to sneak guns into Washington, DC

===March for Trump/Save America rally===
[[File:Sign reading "China Is Asshole" at storming of the United States Capitol.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A sign at a political insurrection, referencing a tangential [[YouTube]] video.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fwgVUfW_O4 China Is Asshole] (Oct 19, 2019) ''YouTube''.</ref> Welcome to 2021.]]
{{cquote|This historic event will likely be one of the largest and most consequential in American history|||Charlie Kirk<ref name=oharrow/>}}
{{cquote| Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud "more than sufficient" to swing victory to Trump [links to fraudulent<ref>[https://www.forbes.com/sites/joewalsh/2020/12/17/white-house-advisor-peter-navarro-releases-dubious-voter-fraud-report/ White House Advisor Peter Navarro Releases Dubious Voter Fraud Report] by Joe Walsh (Dec 17, 2020,06:10pm EST) ''Forbes''.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/12/18/this-might-be-most-embarrassing-document-created-by-white-house-staffer/ This might be the most embarrassing document created by a White House staffer] by Philip Bump (Dec. 18, 2020 at 11:10 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> report]. A great report by Peter. [[Pseudostatistics|Statistically impossible]] to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6<sup>th</sup>. Be there, will be wild!|||Donald J. Trump, December 19, 2020<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210108055139/https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1340185773220515840 Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud 'more than sufficient' to swing victory to Trump <nowiki>https://washex.am/3nwaBCe</nowiki> . A great report by Peter. Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!] by Donald J. Trump (December 19, 2020) ''Twitter'' (archived from January 8, 2021).</ref>}}

Immediately preceding the rally on January 5, the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) used an unaffiliated non-profit fundraiser called the Rule of Law Defense Fund (RLDF) to pay for a robocall that featured false, inflammatory language such as: 

{{quotebox|[W]e will march to the Capitol building and call on Congress to stop the steal. We are hoping patriots like you will join us to continue to fight to protect the integrity of our elections.<ref name=oharrow>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/capitol-rally-organizers-before-riots/2021/01/16/c5b40250-552d-11eb-a931-5b162d0d033d_story.html Rallies ahead of Capitol riot were planned by established Washington insiders] by Robert O'Harrow Jr. (Jan. 17, 2021 at 5:00 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>[https://documented.net/2021/01/republican-attorneys-general-dark-money-group-organized-protest-preceding-capitol-mob-attack/ Republican Attorneys General Dark Money Group Organized Protest Preceding Capitol Mob Attack] by Jamie Corey (January 7, 2021) ''Documented''.</ref>}}

RLDF was one of the rally's sponsors. RAGA director Adam Piper resigned on January 11 amid much criticism for this robocall.<ref name=oharrow/>

As soon as the tweet was posted, crowds began to gather at around 4:30 at the Ellipse, a park located just south of the White House. Eventually, protesters wearing bulletproof vests and helmets with flashlights attached even in broad daylight began showing up in thousands.<ref>[https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/06/how-capitol-hill-riots-started-455654 How a sparse protest became a Capitol Hill riot] by Tina Nguyen & Daniel Lippman (01/06/2021 07:52 PM EST) ''Politico''.</ref>

Trump supporter and lawyer {{wpl|John Eastman}} spoke at the January 6 rally next to Rudy Giuliani. Privately, Eastman had written a memo to Vice President Pence on the same day as to how to overturn the election in the Senate.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/media/sullivan-eastman-memo/2021/09/29/68d93000-211f-11ec-9309-b743b79abc59_story.html A Trump lawyer wrote an instruction manual for a coup. Why haven't you seen it on the news?] by Margaret Sullivan (September 30, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>[http://cdn.cnn.com/cnn/2021/images/09/20/eastman.memo.pdf January 6 scenario] by John Eastman via ''CNN''.</ref>

As with the {{sl|Prelude|prelude activities}}, White Christian nationalists were heavily involved in both the January 6 rallies and the storming of the Capitol.<ref name=seidel2>[https://www.christiansagainstchristiannationalism.org/jan-6 Attack on The Capitol: Evidence of the Role of White Christian Nationalism] by Andrew L. Seidel (2022) ''Christians Against Christian Nationalism''. Pages 25-40.</ref> The main Trump rally was opened by Paula White, [[evangelist]] and White House "adviser", who quoted a favored Bible passage among Christian nationalist, {{bible|Psalm|33|12}}, "Blessed is the nation whose God is Lord."<ref name=seidel2/>{{rp|25}} Senator [[Mo Brooks]] and Representative Madison Cawthorn spoke at the main rally and repeated Christian nationalist [[talking point]]s.<ref name=seidel2/>{{rp|26-27}} Christian symbolism was widespread at the siege of the Capitol.<ref name=seidel2/>{{rp|27-33}} Insurrectionist Jacob Chansley gave a prayer in the Senate chamber that referenced Christian nationalist ideology, that the country would be "reborn in Christ's holy name".<ref name=seidel2/>{{rp|34}} Other Christian nationalist ideology by insurrectionists was widespread and observed both during and after the riot.<ref name=seidel2/>{{rp|35-40}}

====Funding====
[[File:WildProtest (50808794432).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Logo of Wild Protest]]
The March for Trump/Save America rally initially started out as a normal, peaceful protest that preceded an unorganized march to the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021. On January 1, a permit was granted to the rally organizer "Women for America First", listing speakers including Rudy Giuliani, Roger Stone and [[Diamond & Silk]].<ref name=beaujon>[https://www.washingtonian.com/2021/01/05/heres-what-we-know-about-the-pro-trump-rallies-that-have-permits/ Here's What We Know About the Pro-Trump Rallies That Have Permits] by Andrew Baeujon (5 January 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> The "most visible financial backer of Women for America First" was [[Mike Lindell]], though he claimed not to have supported the organization subsequent to December 14, 2020.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/16/us/capitol-riot-funding.html Before the Capitol Riot, Calls for Cash and Talk of Revolution: A network of far-right agitators across the country spent weeks organizing and raising money for a mass action to overturn President Trump's election loss.] by David D. Kirkpatrick et al. (Jan. 16, 2021) ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201127033055/https://trumpmarch.com/ March for Trump] (archived from November 27, 2020).</ref> Although the rally was specifically titled "March for Trump", the permit stated that the Women for America First would not be conducting an organized march after the rally ended, but that participants may leave to attend rallies at the U.S. Capitol.<ref>United States Department of the Interior, [https://www.scribd.com/document/489866008/21-0278-Women-for-America-First-Ellispse-Amendment-A2-Redacted#fullscreen&from_embed Public Gathering Permit] for Women For America First, 1 January 2021.</ref> The currently known sponsors of the rally were:<ref name=beaujon/><ref>[https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/01/sponsors-of-the-pre-attack-rally-have-taken-down-their-websites-dont-forget-who-they-were/Sponsors of the Pre-Attack Rally Have Taken Down Their Websites. Don't Forget Who They Were. Here are the organizers of the event that led to the assault on the Capitol.] by David Corn (January 12, 2021) ''Mother Jones''.</ref><ref>[https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/websites-for-the-coup-rally-organizers-have-quietly-been-erased-from-the-web Websites For The Coup Rally Organizers Have Quietly Been Erased From The Web] by Matt Shuham (January 8, 2021 4:58 p.m.) ''Talking Points Memo''.</ref>
{{collist|2|
*Black Conservatives Fund, a dark money PAC which links to an inactive Twitter account owned by Sharon Middleton<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210111053935/https://blackconservativesfund.com/about/ About Us] ''Black Conservatives Fund'' (archived from January 11, 2021).</ref><ref>[https://archive.ph/0Xqp3 Sharon Middleton @blackfund] ''Twitter'' (archived from 13 Jan 2021 21:10:48 UTC).</ref>
*Eighty Percent Coalition, founded by Cindy Chafian<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210113205928/https://donorbox.org/fight-for-america-rally Rally to Save America] ''Eighty Percent Coalition'' (archived from January 13, 2021).</ref>
*[[Moms for America]], another Schlafly-oriented group, run by Kimberly Fletcher<ref name=mj>David Corn, [https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/01/sponsors-of-the-pre-attack-rally-have-taken-down-their-websites-dont-forget-who-they-were/ Sponsors of the Pre-Attack Rally Have Taken Down Their Websites. Don't Forget Who They Were.] Mother Jones, 12 January 2021.</ref>
*[[Mike Lindell]], rabid Trump supporter and owner of MyPillow<ref name=mj /><ref name=pied-pipers /><ref name=riot-funding>David D. Kirkpatrick, Mike McIntire and Christiaan Triebert, [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/16/us/capitol-riot-funding.html Before the Capitol Riot, Calls for Cash and Talk of Revolution]. The New York Times, 16 January 2021.</ref>
*[[Oath Keepers]], a self-identified militia<ref name=riot-funding />
*Peaceably Gather, run by pastor Brian Gibson<ref name=mj />
*Phyllis Schlafly Eagles,<ref name=mj/> [[Phyllis Schlafly]]'s sons' organization that split from the anti-Trump [[Eagle Forum]] now run by her daughter
*Rule of Law Defense Fund, the most [[ironically]] named, associated with the Republican Attorneys General Association. RLDF's chair, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, claimed he was unaware of his association's involvement.<ref>[https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2021/01/08/steve-marshall-dark-money-groups-involvement-pro-trump-rally-unauthorized/6594042002/ Steve Marshall: Dark money group's involvement in pro-Trump rally was unauthorized] by Brian Lyman (Published 11:48 a.m. CT Jan. 8, 2021; Updated 11:54 a.m. CT Jan. 8, 2021) ''Montgomery Advertiser''.</ref>
*Stop the Steal, run by [[Ali Alexander]]<ref name=mj />
*{{wpl|Tea Party Patriots||,}} part of the [[Tea Party]] movement<ref name=mj />
*Turning Point Action, run by [[Charlie Kirk]]<ref name=mj /><ref name=pied-pipers />
*Wild Protest, a group run by Ali Alexander<ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/stop-the-steal-organizer-in-hiding-after-denying-blame-for-riot 'Stop the Steal' Organizer in Hiding After Denying Blame for Riot] by Will Sommer (Updated Jan. 10, 2021 9:40PM ET) ''Daily Beast''.</ref>
*Women for America First, a dark money non-profit run by Tea Partier {{wpl|Amy Kremer}} and her daughter Kylie Jane Kremer.<ref name=mj /><ref name=pied-pipers>Joseph Tanfani, Michael Berens, and Ned Parker, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-protest-organizers-insight/how-trumps-pied-pipers-rallied-a-faithful-mob-to-the-capitol-idUSKBN29G2UP How Trump's pied pipers rallied a faithful mob to the Capitol]. Reuters, 11 January 2021.</ref><ref name=riot-funding />
}}
Additionally, Alex Jones said that he pledged $50,000 in seed money and that he arranged for {{wpl|Publix}} heiress and major Trump donor Julie Jenkins Fancelli to pay for $300,000 of the $500,000 total raised for the event.<ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/jan-6-rally-funded-by-top-trump-donor-helped-by-alex-jones-organizers-say-11612012063 Jan. 6 Rally Funded by Top Trump Donor, Helped by Alex Jones, Organizers Say-Publix Super Markets heiress donated about $300,000 to the Ellipse event; far-right show host pledged seed money, organizers say] by Shalini Ramachandran et al. (Updated Jan. 30, 2021 1:28 pm ET) ''The Wall Street Journal''.</ref>

Trump advisors Roger Stone, [[Steve Bannon]], and [[Michael Flynn]] had all promoted the January 6 rally at events leading up to it.<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/US/longtime-trump-advisers-connected-groups-rally-led-capitol/story?id=75261028 Longtime Trump advisers connected to groups behind rally that led to Capitol attack] by Will Steakin et al. (January 15, 2021, 7:13 AM) ''ABC News''.</ref>

====Speachifying====
At around 10:20, Trump gave a speech<ref name=speech>[https://en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Donald_Trump%27s_Save_America_Rally_Speech Save America Rally Speech (2021)] by Donald John Trump (January 6, 2021) ''WikiSource''.</ref> that would later come to be regarded as the moment the violence was incited. He and Giuliani each delivered rambling speeches calling on the mass of supporters to march to the Capitol.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/rudy-giuliani-trump-capitol-hill-shots-b1783499.html Rudy Giuliani says pro-Trump rioters attacking US Capitol building are 'on the right side of history']. ''The Independent UK.'' 6 January 2020.</ref> Among the attendees were a mix of rank-and-file Trump supporters, QAnoners and members of more overtly [[extremist]] far-right groups (e.g. the [[Three Percenters]] and Oath Keepers [[militia movement|militas]], [[Nick Fuentes]] and his "[[Groyper]]s", [[Baked Alaska]], [[Black Hebrew Israelites]], [[Neo-Confederate]]s, and [[Neo-Nazi]]s) — all of whom had traveled to D.C. from around the country. Many were former or off-duty police officers and military personnel.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-police-investigation/off-duty-police-firefighters-under-investigation-in-connection-with-u-s-capitol-riot-idUSKBN29F0KH Off-duty police, firefighters under investigation in connection with U.S. Capitol riot] by Maria Caspani (January 10, 202110:56 AM) ''Reuters''.</ref><ref>[https://www.businessinsider.com/off-duty-cops-and-military-investigated-after-capitol-riot-2021-1 Off-duty police officers and members of the military are being investigated over the attack on the US Capitol] by Tom Porter (Jan 11, 2021, 4:00 AM) ''Business Insider''.</ref> Several [[Confederate flag|Confederate battle flag]]s were present, marking the first time such flags had ever been flown inside the Capitol.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/07/us/capitol-confederate-flag-fort-stevens/index.html Before Wednesday, insurgents waving Confederate flags hadn't been within 6 miles of the US Capitol] by Eliott C. McLaughlin (Updated 2:44 PM ET, Thu January 7, 2021) ''CNN''.</ref><ref group=note>The red flag with the blue "X" with stars on it, contrary to a common misconception among even these [[Neo-Confederate|neoconfederates]], was ''not'' the CSA's national flag.</ref>

According to Alexander's Wild Protest, the invited speakers were:<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210101175115/https://wildprotest.com/ President Trump Wants You in DC January 6] ''Wild Protest'' (archived from January 1, 2021).</ref>
{{collist|3|
*[[Ali Alexander]]
*Megan Barth, executive director of the Benjamin Rush Society<ref>[https://www.carolinajournal.com/video/benjamin-rush-societys-megan-barth-explains-how-the-group-works-with-medical-school-students/ Barth explains how the group works with medical school students] (April 18, 2011 12:00AM) ''Carolina Journal''.</ref>
*[[Lauren Boebert]], Representative-Elect (R-CO) and QAnon [[kook]]<ref name=tully>[https://www.rollcall.com/2020/11/05/qanon-goes-to-washington-two-supporters-win-seats-in-congress/ QAnon goes to Washington: two supporters win seats in Congress: Believers in Deep State conspiracy enter halls of power] by Katherine Tully-McManus (November 5, 2020 at 11:21am) ''Roll Call''.</ref>
*Alex Bruesewitz, CEO of consulting firm X Strategies<ref>[https://xstrats.com/team/ Our Team] ''X Strategies''.</ref>
*{{wpl|Tim Canova||,}} law professor and politician
*Matt Couch, The DC Patriot<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210105035725/https://twitter.com/RealMattCouch Matt Couch] ''Twitter'' (archived from January 5, 2021).</ref>
*Michael Coudrey, chair and CEO of Pharos Investment Group<ref>[https://www.crunchbase.com/person/michael-coudrey Michael Coudrey] ''Crunchbase''.</ref>
*Mark Finchem, State Representative (R-AZ)
*Austen Fletcher, TPUSA<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201115185740/https://www.tpusa.com/austen-fletcher/ Austen Fletcher] ''TPUSA'' (archived from November 15, 2020).</ref>
*Kimberly Fletcher, Moms for America
*Joe Flynn ([[Michael Flynn]]'s brother)<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201231175831/https://twitter.com/JosephJFlynn1 @JosephJFlynn1] ''Twitter'' (archived From December 31, 2020).</ref>
*[[Simone Gold]], [[quack]] doctor<ref name=satija>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/simone-gold-capitol-riot-coronavirus/2021/01/12/d1d39e84-545f-11eb-a817-e5e7f8a406d6_story.html 'I do regret being there': Simone Gold, noted hydroxychloroquine advocate, was inside the Capitol during the riot] by Neena Satija (Jan. 12, 2021 at 5:05 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
*{{wpl|Lance Gooden}}, Representative (R-TX)
*[[Paul Gosar]], Representative (R-AZ)
*[[Marjorie Taylor Greene]], Representative-Elect and QAnon kook (R-GA)<ref name=tully/>
*Arina Grossu, director for the Center for Human Dignity (an [[anti-abortion]] group) at the [[Family Research Council]]<ref>[https://thefederalist.com/author/arina-grossu/ Arina Grossu] ''The Federalist''.</ref>
*{{wpl|Jim Hoft}}, [[The Gateway Pundit]]
*Courtney Holland, conservative commentator
*{{wpl|Jason Jones (activist/filmmaker)|Jason Jones|,}} anti-abortion activist
*{{wpl|Vernon Jones}}, ex-State Representative (GA)<ref>[https://ballotpedia.org/Vernon_Jones Vernon Jones] ''Ballotpedia''.</ref>
*{{wpl|Anthony Kern}}, ex-State Representative (R-AZ)<ref>[https://ballotpedia.org/Anthony_Kern Anthony Kern] ''Ballotpedia''.</ref>
*Ed Martin, President of Phyllis Schlafly Eagles<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107212713/https://twitter.com/eagleedmartin|title=Ed Martin #StopTheSteal|work=Twitter}} (archived from January 7, 2021).</ref>
*{{wpl|Jenny Beth Martin}}, co-founder and national coordinator of the Tea Party Patriots
*{{wpl|Doug Mastriano}}, State Senator (R-PA)
*Shemeka Michelle, [[#WalkAway]] advocate<ref>{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201216005257/https://totally-la.com/shemeka-michelle-lets-loose-at-walkaway-rally-in-beverly-hills/|title=Shemeka Michelle Let's Loose at #WalkAway Rally in Beverly Hill|date=August 19, 2020|work=Totally LA}} (archived from December 16, 2020).</ref>
*Rogan O'Handley
*{{wpl|C. J. Pearson}}, pundit
*{{wpl|Andrew Pollack}}
*[[Scott Presler]], professional [[concern troll]]
*{{wpl|Ricky Rebel}} (Ricky Godinez)
*{{wpl|Sabo}}, right-wing street artist
*John Schlafly, [[gay]] son of Phyllis Schlafly<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1992/09/19/schlaflys-son-out-of-the-closet/bbc13552-b0f8-47d2-a761-461d4b1eee8d/|title=Schlafly's Son, Out of the Closet|author=Laura Blumenfeld|date=September 19, 1992|work=The Washington Post}}</ref>
*Ian Smith ([[Rhodesia|no relation]]), trying to recall the Governor of [[New Jersey]] because of COVID pandemic regulations<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210114192019/https://www.picuki.com/profile/iansmithfitness Man among men. FREE MAN. Proud American. Co-Owner @atilisgymbellmawr + @rockbottomnutrition 1st Phorm Athlete @1stphorm ❤️Analyn] by Ian Smith, ''Instagram'' (archived from January 14, 2021).</ref>
*[[Roger Stone]], [[ratfucker]]. Stone is associated with Stop the Steal,<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210101185316/https://donorbox.org/stop-the-steal-3 Support the Stop The Steal Security Project] (archived from January 1, 2021).</ref> and he has raised funds to pay Oath Keepers militia for security at events near the Capitol on January 5 and 6.<ref>[https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/01/roger-stone-did-something-wrong/ Roger Stone Did Something Wrong: Stone raised funds for "security" for January 6 events, mingled with Oath Keepers, and urged "an epic struggle" for Trump.] by (January 27, 2021) ''Mother Jones''.</ref>
*[[Brandon Straka]], launched the #WalkAway campaign<ref name=straka1>Pilar Melendez, [https://www.thedailybeast.com/brandon-straka-right-wing-activist-banned-from-airline-is-charged-in-riots Right-Wing Activist Banned From Airline for Not Wearing Mask Is Charged in Capitol Riots]. The Daily Beast, 25 January 2021.</ref><ref name=straka2>Josh Gerstein, [https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/25/capitol-riot-stop-the-steal-462322 Stop the Steal organizer charged in Capitol riot]. Politico, 25 January 2021.</ref>
*Melissa Tate, instigated hydroxychloroquine kookery<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20201101014231/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/07/29/melissa-tate-trump/ Who is Melissa Tate? Donald Trump's retweet gains Twitter user thousands of comments] by Feliz Mustafa (2020) ''HITC'' (archived from November 1, 2020).</ref>
*Rose Tennet, conservative personality
*Maggie VandenBerghe, actor<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2323235/ Maggie VandenBerghe] ''IMDb''.</ref>
*{{wpl|Robert M. Weaver}}, failed nominee Director of the Indian Health Service of HHS
*{{wpl|Lucian Wintrich||,}} formerly a journalist for the Gateway Pundit 
}}

Alexander also organized a separate rally at the same time at a different location near the Capitol under the fictional name "One Nation Under God".<ref name=leopold>[https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/jasonleopold/the-capitol-police-said-jan-6-unrest-on-capitol-grounds The Capitol Police Granted Permits For Jan. 6 Protests Despite Signs That Organizers Weren't Who They Said They Were] by Jason Leopold (Last updated on September 17, 2021, at 11:26 a.m. ET) ''BuzzFeedNews''.</ref> The Capitol Police approved the permit for this rally, giving a threat assessment of "highly improbable" despite raising concerns about the permit.<ref name=leopold/> The listed speakers for One Nation Under God overlapped with the Stop the Steal rally and were:<ref>[https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21059849/leopold-capitol-police-protest-permits-january-6-common-law-release.pdf Jan 6<sup>th</sup> One Nation Under God schedule (as of Dec 30<sup>th</sup> subject to change and order of appearance)] ''Document Cloud''.</ref>
{{collist|3|
*Rep. Paul Gosar
*Ali Alexander
*Rep. Marjorie Greens{{sic}}
*Rep. {{wpl|Lance Gooden}}
*State Rep. {{wpl|Vernon Jones}}
*Rep. {{wpl|Mark Finchem}}
*State Sen. {{wpl|Doug Mastriano}} – To be confirmed
*Rep. {{wpl|Anthony Kern}}
*Rep. Lauren Boebert
*Senator — TBD
*Ed Martin
*Rob Weaver
*Roger Stone
*Simone Gold
*Rogan O'Handley
*Jenny Beth Martin
*Scott Pressler
*[[CJ Pearson]]
*Rose Tenet
*Jason Jones
*Brandon Straka
*Shemaka Michelle
*Joe Flynn
*Michael Coudrey
*Alex Brueesewitz
*Kimberely Fletcher
*Melissa Tate
*Avina Grossu
*{{wpl|Tim Canova}}
}}

Four other organizations had permits for rallies in the vicinity of the Capitol on January 6 are also suspected of being connected to Stop the Steal: one by Bryan Lewis, Virginia Freedom Keepers ("rally for health freedom"), Women for a Great America/50+ Days of Blessing ("pray and worship for our nation"), and Rock Ministries International ("prayer campaign encouraging pastors, leaders and citizens to pray for the United States").<ref name=leopold/>

The 1st Amendment Praetorian militia group had provided security to Trump rallies in November and December of 2020, and a QAnon conference in 2021. Robert Patrick Lewis, the militia's leader, spoke at a January 5 incendiary rally in Washington, where he said, "I am willing to get up here and walk into danger if we need if, if we need to be there, to make sure we don't cede this country, and have my kids grow up in a [[Communist]] hellhole. And I need each of you to fight as hard as you can to ensure that does not happen."<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/24/politics/first-amendment-praetorian-january-6-subpoena/index.html What is the '1st Amendment Praetorian,' the obscure far-right group subpoenaed by the January 6 committee?] by Marshall Cohen (November 24, 2021) ''CNN''.</ref>

Tea Party Patriots leader Jenny Beth Martin claimed that her organization gave no financial support for the rally, despite them being listed as an organizer and herself being listed as an invited speaker; Martin did not actually speak at the rally.<ref name=oharrow/> At least six current or former members of the Council for National Policy were involved in organizing the rally, but CNP Executive Director Bob McEwen said his group was not involved.<ref name=oharrow/>

Chapman University law professor John Eastman, who spoke at the rally, was forced to resign after being accused by university members of incitement.<ref>[https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2021/01/15/chapman-professor-who-spoke-jan-6-pro-trump-rally-retires Eastman Out] by Colleen Flaherty (January 15, 2021) ''Inside Higher Ed''.</ref>

====Anti-vaxx sideshow====
Despite Trump having authorized {{wpl|Operation Warp Speed}} to rapidly develop COVID vaccines in the US, the [[anti-vaxx]] group United Freedom Super PAC actively promoted the January 6 event and included speakers on a sideshow stage.<ref name=remski>[https://conspirituality.net/transmissions/plandemics-mikki-willis-joins-praises-violent-capitol-mob/ Plandemic's Mikki Willis Joins, Praises Violent Capitol Mob] by Matthew Remski (January 11, 2021) ''Conspirituality''.</ref><ref name=devine>[https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/04/politics/anti-vaxxers-stop-the-steal-invs/index.html Leaders of the anti-vaccine movement used 'Stop the Steal' crusade to advance their own conspiracy theories] by Curt Devine & Drew Griffin (Updated 8:37 AM ET, Fri February 5, 2021) ''CNN''.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210106120021if_/https://twitter.com/truthaboutbigc/status/1346788610922721280 The Truth About Cancer] by The Truth About Cancer (04:00 - 6. Jan. 2021) ''Twitter'' (archived from January 6, 2021).</ref><ref name=bollinger>Join us TODAY in Washington DC from 10AM-4PM at the US Capitol. We'll be speaking at the MAGA Freedom Rally with numerous patriots & freedom lovers. Get the details! ➡️ <nowiki>https://magafreedomrallydc.com</nowiki> This is literally a "once in a lifetime" event. Don't miss it! See you there.] (04:00 - 6. Jan. 2021) by The Truth About Cancer (Ty & Charlene Bollinger) ''Twitter'' (archived from January 6, 2021).</ref> The speakers included [[Del Bigtree]], [[Ty Bollinger]], Mikki Willis (producer of ''[[Plandemic]]''), David Martin (featured in ''Plandemic'', Mike Smith (creator of the QAnon-promoting film ''Out of The Shadows''), and Roger Stone.<ref name=remski/><ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/inside-out-of-shadows-the-bonkers-hollywood-pedophilia-documentary-qanon-loves Inside 'Out of Shadows': The Bonkers Hollywood-Pedophilia 'Documentary' QAnon Loves] by Tarpley Hitt (Updated Aug. 06, 2020 1:25PM ET / Published Aug. 06, 2020 4:47AM ET) ''Daily Beast''.</ref><ref>[https://www.mediamatters.org/coronavirus-covid-19/prominent-anti-vaccine-figures-pushed-egregious-misinformation-about-covid-19 Prominent anti-vaccine figures pushed egregious misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine live on Facebook and YouTube] by Kayla Gogarty (01/11/21 10:00 AM EST) ''Media Matters for America''.</ref> Willis was also filmed near the front of the breach of one of the Capitol doors, but not as far as is known entering the Capitol. Willis was also filmed praising the insurrection as it was still happening.<ref name=remski/><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKIFG-gKkEs Mikki Willis speaking at MAGA event after storming the Capitol] by Conspirituality (Jan 11, 2021) ''YouTube''.</ref> Alex Jones also appeared at the Capitol on January 6 and spoke in Washington at a January 3 Washington rally against vaccines.<ref name=devine/> In case there's any doubt that the sideshow was sanctioned by the main event, Stop the Steal organizer Alexander Ali spoke at a January 5 event while introducing Simone Gold, where he referred to not just fighting the election results but also against "medical tyranny",<ref name=devine/> an anti-vaxxer code-word.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210327181344/https://www.redbubble.com/i/sticker/Medical-Tyranny-Anti-Vaccine-Covid-19-Virus-by-BeUTwo/55742487.EJUG5 Medical Tyranny Anti-Vaccine Covid-19 Virus Sticker] ''RedBubble'' (archived from March 27, 2021).</ref>

====Two Minutes Hate====
Before Trump regaled his followers with venom and hatred (à la {{wpl|Two Minutes Hate}}), they were primed with a short video. All synced to a remix of Linkin Park's ''In The End''.<ref>[https://player.vimeo.com/video/508134765 "Trump Film Ellipse on January 6, 2021"] courtesy of Vimeo.</ref> Though relatively short, it is packed with [[fascist]] imagery plainly meant to convince those there that a violent overthrowing of [[multicultural]] democracy was necessary.<ref name=stanley>[https://www.justsecurity.org/74504/movie-at-the-ellipse-a-study-in-fascist-propaganda/ Movie at the Ellipse: A Study in Fascist Propaganda: Scholars on the Nazis and anti-Semitism have seen this before] by Jason Stanley (February, 4 2021) ''Just Security''.</ref> Some particular highlights:

*The first five frames of the film feature a shadowed picture of Trump from the nose up, the camera slowly zooming in on his face, followed by an image of the Capitol Building, the Hollywood sign, and two empty parliament buildings, identified as the UN General Assembly and the EU Parliament.<ref>[https://www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Yellow.gif Trump propaganda film gif]</ref> The image of Trump evokes strength; the zoom and the cut to the Capitol building make clear Trump is focused on that as his target. The other three frames play into a common theme of right-wing conspiracies, [[International Jewish conspiracy|Jewish control of the media and global governing bodies]].<ref name=stanley/>

*The next few frames feature a voice-over by Trump of his inauguration speech, "For too long, a small group in our nation's capital has reaped the rewards of government, while the people have borne the cost," while showing an image of Biden with a vacant expression, implying that he is not the one in control. The next two frames send a clear message: [[International Jewish conspiracy|the real puppet masters are the Jews]]. The one immediately after is of Chuck Schumer wearing a Kente cloth, implying both Jewish control and Jewish collaboration with Black liberation. The next frame is a wide shot of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at a podium flanked by two House Representatives, Rep. Jerry Nadler and Rep. Adam Schiff, both Jewish. The implication is that Pelosi is also controlled by the Jews.<ref>[https://www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Green-2.gif Trump propaganda film gif #2]</ref> This is followed again by Trump's Inauguration speech, "The establishment protected itself, but not the citizens of this our country," then sounds of gunshots and images of dead soldiers returning home, homeless encampments, and emblematic pictures of white America, American flags and pick-up trucks, damaged by rural decay. Again from Trump, "This all ends right here, right now." It's clear who is responsible, and the film makes clear, Trump is the man who will hold those responsible to account.<ref name=stanley/>

*The next few sections come right from the [[authoritarian]] playbook. Triumphant music plays over images of military equipment, Trump at the Army-Navy football game, teeming supporters at Trump rallies, women crying in awe of Trump. He is the national father whom everyone adores. More military equipment, more factories, more trucks, Trump at the Lincoln Memorial, black and white supporters embrace. The father made all of this happen.<ref>[https://www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Violet.gif Trump propaganda film gif #3.]</ref> More military equipment, then the mood shifts, showing Bill Barr being sworn in followed by Biden smirking. Biden laughs in the face of American justice.<ref name=stanley/>

*The last few frames show loss: American cities empty, white women trapped in their homes. For one second, Scrabble pieces spell out "FEAR".<ref>[https://www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Fear-e1612409036940.png Still-shot of the Trump propaganda film.]</ref> Then more loss: empty school desks, "Closed" signs, then images of the [[Supreme Court]] building and the [[Black Lives Matter]] (BLM) demonstrators, on a street that reads, "DEFUND THE POLICE". While America is idle, Black people seek to rid you of protection from the father's greatest accomplishment, nominating three justices to the Supreme Court. An image of Biden speaking to a solitary man (weakness), then more glorious Trump images: rising stocks, more military equipment, black and white embrace while wearing shirts that say "[[Resurrection of Jesus|JESUS SAVES]]", closing with an image of Trump, showing steely resolve.<ref name=stanley/>

Everything about this video, {{wpl|Jason Stanley}} notes, borrows from the fascist framework. It features a patriarchal [[cult]] leader promising revival from undefined humiliation inflicted by a multicultural elite bent upon destroying the "True Nation". It brings together the ideologies that have been building in America since the [[Ku Klux Klan]] gained power and [[Henry Ford]] published "The International Jew": Jews support Black liberation, control the media, and seek to destroy white history.<ref name=stanley/>

===Siege of the US Capitol===
[[File:1-6Terrorist PelosiOffice.jpeg|250px|thumb|right|A [[Sarcasm|''very fine'' and ''special'' gentleman]] with his foot on Speaker Pelosi's desk.]]

While there was no permit for (or even organization of) a march into the actual Capitol building, there ''were'' significant comments made in social media in the days leading up to the March for Trump rally that called for a march from the Ellipse to the building.<ref>Jane Lytvynenko and Molly Hensley-Clancy, [https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/janelytvynenko/trump-rioters-planned-online The Rioters Who Took Over The Capitol Have Been Planning Online In The Open For Weeks]. Buzzfeed, 6 January 2021.</ref> There were also calls for marching to the Capitol during the rally, notably by Trump himself, who stated, "we're going to walk down Pennsylvania Avenue – I love Pennsylvania Avenue – and we're going to the Capitol and we're going to try and give [Republicans] [[Fascism|the kind of pride and boldness that they need to take back our country]]. So let's walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. I want to thank you all. [[God]] bless you and God bless America. Thank you all for being here, this is incredible."<ref>Travis Andersen, [https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/06/metro/heres-what-trump-told-his-supporters-before-many-them-stormed-capitol-wednesday/ Before mob stormed US Capitol, Trump told them to 'fight like hell']. Boston Globe, 6 January 2021.</ref> An additional instruction to march on the Capitol was made by Mo Brooks, the U.S. Congressional Representative from Alabama, who told rally attendees to "Stop by the Capitol".<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKHwV6sdrMk&ab_channel=TheHill Mo Brooks gives FIERY speech against anti-Trump Republicans, socialists]. The Hill on YouTube, 6 January 2021.</ref>

[[File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09156 (50826223403).jpg|thumb|right|250px|This functional gallows was erected by the same group of people who were chanting, "Hang Mike Pence."<ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/15/dc-capitol-rioters-nearly-reached-vice-president-mike-pence.html Capitol rioters came within a minute of reaching Pence, report says]. ''NBC News.''</ref>]]

The rallies were organized in part by right-wing personality [[Ali Alexander]], best known for his association with [[Jacob Wohl]] and [[Laura Loomer]]. Alexander claimed he had help from Republican Reps. Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and Mo Brooks (R-AL).<ref>{{cite web|title='Stop the Steal' Organizer in Hiding After Denying Blame for Riot|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/stop-the-steal-organizer-in-hiding-after-denying-blame-for-riot}}</ref> Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA claimed in a tweet to have organized "80+ buses full of patriots" to D.C.<ref>{{cite web|title=Charlie Kirk deletes tweet saying he sent '80+ buses full of patriots' to D.C.|url=https://www.dailydot.com/debug/charlie-kirk-delete-tweet-buses-capitol/}}</ref> [[Alex Jones]] of InfoWars notoriety, who later claimed the riot was set up by [[Antifa]] agents provocateurs, was also present and claims to have helped pay for the rally in question.<ref>{{cite web|title=Alex Jones claims he paid for rally that preceded Capitol riot|url=https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/01/09/alex-jones-claims-he-paid-rally-preceded-capitol-riot/6608721002/}}</ref> An Infowars host, Owen Shroyer, was also charged with misdemeanors in connection with the riot.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/08/23/infowars-host-capitol-riot-charges/ Infowars host Owen Shroyer wanted a 'new revolution' on Jan. 6, feds say. Now he's charged in the Capitol riot.] by Jonathan Edwards (August 23, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

Marchers arrived at the grounds of the Capitol building around 1 p.m. ET on January 6, 2021, and quickly began clashing with police, pushing through security barriers and interacting violently with Capitol police who were trying to prevent unauthorized access to the Capitol grounds.<ref>Ted Barrett, Manu Raju and Peter Nickeas, [https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/us-capitol-lockdown/index.html US Capitol secured, 4 dead after rioters stormed the halls of Congress to block Biden's win]. CNN, 7 January 2021.</ref> Shortly after 2 p.m. ET, they began to climb the building and break windows, at which point they had successfully gained access to the building. At that time, Congressional sessions on the floor of the House and Senate were proceeding with arguments concerning the objection to the electoral vote count for the state of [[Fun:Arizona|Arizona]]. The Congressional sessions were interrupted at around 2:13 p.m. ET when the Senators and Representatives were informed that the rioters had gotten inside the Capitol, and Vice President Pence and congressional members were evacuated. Congress and staffers were evacuated via an underground tunnel to a secure location while rioters breached the building. An armed standoff at the door to the House took place at 3 p.m. ET, during which a rioter was shot and killed.<ref>Meg Wagner, Melissa Macaya, Mike Hayes, Melissa Mahtani, Veronica Rocha and Fernando Alfonso III, [https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/congress-electoral-college-vote-count-2021/h_20490097776eb05d7c29ddf3c4792834 Congress finalizes Biden's win after riot disrupts Capitol]. CNN, 7 January 2021.</ref> Members of the siege also gained access to the floor of the Senate chamber and various offices in the Capitol building, including the offices of U.S. Representative Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.<ref>Tucker Higgins, [https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/08/man-photographed-with-foot-on-pelosis-desk-during-us-capitol-riot-arrested.html Man photographed with foot on Pelosi's desk during U.S. Capitol riot arrested]. CNBC, 8 January 2021.</ref> Rioters proceeded to vandalize Congressional offices and chambers, breaking a litany of federal laws in the process. In a stunning lack of {{wpl|operations security||,}} many rioters did not wear masks and livestreamed or posted their activities to [[social media]].

For anyone claiming the rioters were "peaceful", a number had built a fucking ''gallows''<ref>[https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2021/01/11/capitol-riot-more-sinister-that-it-looked-as-gallows-pipes-and-guns-turn-up/ Rioters built a gallows]</ref> and others were chanting their intention to outright [[lynch]] Pence (who didn't rig the election for Trump) and Pelosi (for opposing Trump in general). Peaceful, friendly, civil-disobedient types these were not. The gallows directly referenced the white supremacist book ''[[The Turner Diaries]]'', and the mass lynching within the book ("The Day of the Rope").<ref>"Insurrection" by Kathleen Belew. In: ''Myth America: Historians Take On the Biggest Legends and Lies About Our Past'', edited by Kevin M. Kruse & Julian E. Zelizer (2022) Basic Books. {{isbn|1541601394}}. Pages 251-265.</ref>{{rp|264}}

====Racism at the riot====
During Congressional testimony, District of Columbia police officer Daniel Hodges testified:

{{quotebox|The crowd was overwhelmingly White males, usually a little bit older, middle-aged older, but some younger. I think out of [the] entire time I was there, I saw just two women and two Asian males; everyone else was White males. They didn't say anything especially xenophobic to me, but to my Black colleagues and anyone who's not White. And some of them would try to recruit me. One of them came up to me and said, "Are you my brother?" There are many known organizations with ties to White supremacy who had a presence there, three-percenters ... that kind of thing. And people who associate with Donald Trump I find more likely to subscribe to that belief system.<ref>[https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/january-6-house-select-committee-hearing-investigation-day-1-full-transcript January 6 House Select Committee Hearing Investigation Day 1 Full Transcript] (Jul 27, 2021) ''Rev''.</ref>}}

In written and oral testimony, Capitol police officer Harry A. Dunn testified:

{{quotebox|I told them to leave the Capitol, and in response, they yelled back: "No, no, man, this is our house!" "President Trump invited us here!" "We're here to stop the steal!" "Joe Biden is not the President!" "Nobody voted for Joe Biden!"
 
I am a law enforcement officer, and I keep politics out of my job. But in this circumstance, I responded: "Well, I voted for Joe Biden. Does my vote not count? Am I nobody?"
 
That prompted a torrent of racial epithets. One woman in a pink "MAGA" shirt yelled, "You hear that, guys, this [[nigger]] voted for Joe Biden!" Then the crowd, perhaps around twenty people, joined in, screaming "Boo! Fucking Nigger!" 
 
No one had ever – ever – called me a "nigger" while wearing the uniform of a Capitol Police officer. In the days following the attempted insurrection, other black officers shared with me their own stories of racial abuse on January 6. One officer told me he had never, in his entire forty years of life, been called a "nigger" to his face, and that that streak ended on January 6. Yet another black officer later told he had been confronted by insurrectionists inside the Capitol, who told him to "Put your gun down and we'll show you what kind of nigger you really are!"<ref>[https://legacy.npr.org/assets/pdf/2021/07/dunn_testimony.pdf 1Written Statement of Harry A. Dunn] Hearing Before the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6<sup>th</sup> Attack on the United States Capitol, U.S. House of Representatives (January 27, 2021) ''NPR''.</ref><ref>[https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1021197474/capitol-police-officer-testifies-to-the-racism-he-faced-during-the-jan-6-riot Capitol Police Officer Testifies To The Racism He Faced During The Jan. 6 Riot] by Domenico Montanaro (July 27, 2021) ''NPR''.</ref>}}

====Underwhelming police response====
The response to the violence by law enforcement was completely abysmal. Police presence outside the Capitol was extremely limited, with no dogs, mounted officers, or manned perimeter, only a small line on the building's steps that was quickly outnumbered and overwhelmed by the mob.<ref>W.J. Hennigan and Vera Bergengruen, [https://time.com/5927215/capitol-hill-police-riots-unprepared/ Insurrectionists Openly Planned for Weeks to Storm the Capitol. Why Were Police So Easily Overwhelmed?] Time Magazine, 7 January 2021</ref> Some media commentators, however, incorrectly claimed that cops were downright friendly towards the rioters, with others even claiming conspiracy with rioters, with one out-of-context viral Twitter video showing police removing crowd control barriers and seemingly allowing the mob to freely enter the Capitol,<ref>{{a|https://twitter.com/cevansavenger/status/1346920924310867968|the police opened the fucking gates.}} cevansavenger, Twitter, 6 January 2021.</ref> though reporters stated that the police were overwhelmed by the crowd and decided that it wasn't worth holding it out.<ref>Putterman, S. (January 7, 2021). "[https://www.politifact.com/article/2021/jan/07/ask-politifact-did-capitol-police-let-mob-trump-su/ Ask PolitiFact: Did Capitol Police let mob of Trump supporters in?]". ''PolitiFact''. Accessed July 12, 2021.</ref>

As it became clear that Capitol police were unable to contain the situation, there were bipartisan calls for Trump to deploy the National Guard. The deployment of the Guard was delayed, and the Pentagon prevented D.C. guardsmen from receiving ammunition or riot gear or sharing equipment with local law enforcement because crowd control wasn't part of the mission and the Pentagon disliked the "optics" of armed soldiers in the Capitol. It eventually took three hours for police and the Guard to retake the Capitol.<ref>Paul Sonne, Peter Hermann, and Missy Ryan, [https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/trump-protests-washington-guard-military/2021/01/07/c5299b56-510e-11eb-b2e8-3339e73d9da2_story.html Pentagon placed limits on D.C. Guard ahead of pro-Trump protests due to narrow mission] Washington Post, 7 January 2021</ref>

The half-assed response to the riot received bipartisan criticism and resulted in the resignation of both Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund and the sergeants-at-arms of both houses of Congress.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/07/us/Capitol-cops-police.html Police Failures Spur Resignations and Complaints of Double Standard] New York Times, 7 January 2021</ref> Much of the most vocal criticism came from racial justice activists, who contrasted the skeleton crew law enforcement deployed to handle a ''violent mob storming the freaking Capitol building'' with the heavily militarized response to the predominantly peaceful [[Black Lives Matter]] protests of the previous summer.<ref>Kimberly Dozer and Melissa Chan, [https://time.com/5928204/capitol-police-mob-attack/ Accusations of Bias, Racism Swirl Around Capitol Police After Mob Attack] Time Magazine, 8 January 2021</ref>

===Trump's role===
[[File:Trump remarks on Capitol storming, January 6 2021 0417PM EST.webm|right|thumb|250px|The damning video.]]
[[File:A Message from President Donald J. Trump.webm|right|thumb|250px|The following day's desperate backpedal and long overdue concession.]]

Any other U.S. President would have condemned this [[fascist]] [[coup]] in the strongest possible terms. However, Trump isn't like any other U.S. President, as the [[United States]] had already learned four years ago. He started the night with a fairly tame tweet telling the aforementioned fascists to "support the police" and to "respect our great men and women in blue".<ref>Annie Karni & Maggie Haberman, [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/us/politics/trump-protesters.html Trump openly condones supporters who violently stormed the Capitol, prompting Twitter to lock his account.] The New York Times, 6 January 2021.</ref> The closest thing to a condemnation of these actions was him saying "No violence!" Keep in mind this is the same guy who said "when the looting starts the shooting starts" (a [[racist]] [[dog whistle]] aimed at [[African Americans]]<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2020/05/29/864818368/the-history-behind-when-the-looting-starts-the-shooting-starts The History Behind 'When The Looting Starts, The Shooting Starts'] by Barbara Sprunt (May 29, 20201:13 PM ET)</ref>) on the exact same platform, because, as we all know, looting a store is ''so'' much worse than attempting to overthrow a democratically-elected government.{{cn|joke}} This was followed by a video from the White House where Trump calls for calm while continuing to push the [[bullshit]] conspiracy that the election was "stolen" from him, the same conspiracy that caused this brouhaha in the first place. Eventually after 
he came to his senses and realized the damage he had caused
 Pence presumably threatened to kick him in the balls, Trump put out a video condemning the coup attempt and conceding to Biden, confirming there would be a "smooth transition of power" to the Biden administration.<ref>Connor Sephton, [https://news.sky.com/story/us-capitol-outraged-trump-says-those-who-broke-the-law-will-pay-and-biden-will-be-sworn-in-on-20-january-12181961 Trump condemns supporters who stormed US Capitol and concedes to Biden for first time]. sky.com, 8 January 2021.</ref> Hilarity ensued on the likes of [[Parler]] and [[4chan]] as Trumpists no doubt felt like they were watching the fall of the [[Roman Empire]]. But fortunately for them and unfortunately for the rest of us, Trump immediately contradicted himself and tweeted about how the rioters were "great patriots" and again spouted the same "fraudulent election" nonsense that started it all. This was finally enough for [[Twitter]], who perma-banned his account because of the real fear of more political violence and the possibility of lawsuits against Twitter.<ref name=twitter-boots-trump>[https://archive.ph/ezwLr Permanent suspension of @realDonaldTrump] by Twitter Inc. (8 January 2021) ''Twitter'' (archived from 13 Jan 2021 15:58:55 UTC).</ref> Later that week, Facebook and Instagram banned him indefinitely from their respective platforms.<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2021/01/07/facebook-trump-instagram-social-media-accounts-block-indefinitely-zuckerberg/6580221002/ Facebook bans Trump account indefinitely, along with Instagram]</ref>

The botched response of the National Guard raised even more disturbing questions. You see, [[Washington DC]] isn't like any other part of the U.S. Since it isn't a state, its National Guard is controlled by the [[Department of Defense]], which is subordinate to the President. As the attempted fascist coup was occurring, many observers noticed that the National Guard wasn't responding to this very quickly; this was strange, as when BLM protestors were outside the Capitol during the summer, the National Guard was out in force and, notably, used tear gas and rubber bullets to expel peaceful protesters from Lafayette Square in June so that Trump could walk to a nearby church for a photo op.<ref>Tom Gjelten, [https://www.npr.org/2020/06/01/867532070/trumps-unannounced-church-visit-angers-church-officials Peaceful Protesters Tear-Gassed To Clear Way for Trump Church Photo-Op]. ''NPR'', 1 June 2020.</ref> It later emerged that Trump was "hesitant" (i.e. "not going") to send them in, and in the end, Pence was the one who made the call.<ref>Kaitlan Collins, Zachary Cohen, Barbara Starr and Jennifer Hansler, [https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/06/politics/pence-national-guard/index.html Pence took lead as Trump initially resisted sending National Guard to Capitol]. CNN, 7 January 2021.</ref> By the time the National Guard arrived, it was too late; the damage had been done. The fact that Trump wouldn't send in the National Guard when his supporters were attempting an insurrection despite being more than willing to do the same to BLM just for a photo op was yet another damning indictment of Bunker Boy's presidency.

==Aftermath==
[[File:Brian Sicknick.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Officer Brian Sicknick died from a stroke after being attacked by Trump rioters. But MAGA backs the blue, right?]]
Many of the rioters who broke into the Capitol were arrested for federal crimes. This has been especially easy since few of the rioters wore anything like a [[Face masks|mask]] which could conceal their identities. Many of them identified ''themselves'' on video or livestream and posted pictures on social media, effectively getting self-[[Doxxing|doxxed]]. Among them were Derrick Evans, a lawmaker from [[West Virginia]] who was forced to resign,<ref>Maggie Astor, [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/09/us/politics/derrick-evans-resigns-capitol-riot.html Derrick Evans, a West Virginia legislator who stormed the Capitol, has resigned.] The New York Times, 9 January 2021.</ref> and Rick Saccone, a candidate from Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional district who lost to Conor Lamb.<ref>Jeff Himler, [https://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/saccone-resigns-from-svc-faculty-after-his-online-posts-about-d-c-trip-draw-flak/ Rick Saccone resigns from Saint Vincent faculty in wake of Capitol trip]. triblive.com, 7 January 2021.</ref> As a result of inciting the attack, Donald Trump, as well as over ''70,000'' other accounts related to QAnon, was permanently suspended from Twitter.<ref name="twitter-boots-trump" /><ref>Marina Pitofsky, [https://thehill.com/policy/technology/533756-70k-qanon-twitter-accounts-suspended-in-the-wake-of-capitol-riot 70K QAnon Twitter accounts suspended in the wake of Capitol riot]. The Hill, 11 January 2021.</ref>

Representative [[Liz Cheney]] was ousted from a Republican leadership position for refusing to play along with Trumpublican bullshit about [[voter fraud]].<ref name=barrett1>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/capitol-riot-arrests-investigation/ A sprawling investigation: What we know so far about the Capitol riot suspects Since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, more than 400 people who were part of the pro-Trump mob that day have been arrested — a number that could still grow substantially.] by Devlin Barrett et al. (Updated May 13 at 3:51 p.m.; Originally published May 13, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

===Casualties and damage===
{{cquote|That could have been me or my partner. She believed what we believed. That's what made me think I should speak out, tell my story to help bring other conspiracists out, so they don't become the next Ashli.|||Former conspiracy theorist Brent Lee on Ashli Babbitt<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/oct/04/escape-from-the-rabbit-hole-the-conspiracy-theorist-who-abandoned-his-dangerous-beliefs Escape from the rabbit hole: the conspiracy theorist who abandoned his dangerous beliefs], ''[[The Guardian]]''</ref>}}
"When the looting starts, the shooting starts!" ...due to which five people were killed in the event. One was shot by police, three more died due to apparent medical emergencies, and a Capitol Police officer died a day after the riots.<ref>Marc Santora, Megan Specia and Mike Baker, [https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/08/us/brian-sicknick-police-capitol-dies.html Capitol Police Officer Dies From Injuries in Pro-Trump Rampage]. The New York Times, 8 January 2021.</ref> The formermost, Ashli Babbitt, was claimed as a [[martyr]] by the far-right less than 4 days after the riot,<ref>Vera Bergengruen, [https://time.com/5928249/ashli-babbitt-capitol-extremism 'Our First Martyr.' How Ashli Babbitt Is Being Turned Into a Far-Right Recruiting Tool]. Time, 10 January 2021.</ref> and by members of the GOP mainstream by June 2021.<ref name=blake4>[https://time.com/5928249/ashli-babbitt-capitol-extremism/ The slow-building conservative effort to turn Ashli Babbitt into a martyr] by Aaron Blake (June 18, 2021 at 9:12 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
*'''Brian D. Sicknick''' – 42, a Capitol Police officer was attacked with chemical spray during the confrontation and died from a stroke the next day; Washington DC's chief medical examiner concluded that the attack "played a role in his condition."<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2023/01/06/1147357087/trump-and-two-rioters-are-sued-over-the-death-of-capitol-police-officer-brian-si Trump and two rioters are sued over the death of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick]. ''NPR.''</ref> 
*'''Ashli Elizabeth Babbitt''' – 35, an Air Force veteran and QAnon follower who was shot by police while attempting to breach the House floor.
*'''Rosanne Boyland''' – 34, a Trump supporter and QAnon follower from Kennesaw, Georgia, [[irony|who was trampled to death while wearing a "Don't Tread On Me!" flag]].<ref>Sudhin Thanawala, Stefanie Dazio and Jeff Martin, [https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/01/09/rosanne-boyland-trump-supporter-who-died-followed-qanon-family/6608289002/ Rosanne Boyland, Trump supporter who died, followed QAnon conspiracy, family says]. USA Today, 9 January 2021.</ref><ref>[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/rosanne-boyland-trampled-flag/ Did Woman Who Died at Capitol Riot Carry a 'Don't Tread on Me' Flag? Macabre online speculation surrounded the death of Georgia resident Rosanne Boyland during the Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riots.] by Dan MacGuill (Published 12 January 2021; Updated 1 February 2021) ''Snopes''.</ref>
*'''Kevin Greeson''' – 55, a Trump supporter from Athens, Alabama, who died of a heart attack.<ref>[https://www.revolt.tv/news/2021/1/10/22223894/kevin-greeson-wife-on-husband-death Trump supporter Kevin Greeson's wife said he didn't tase himself when he had a heart attack and died]. revolt.tv, 10 January 2021.</ref>
*'''Benjamin Philips''' – 50, a Trump supporter from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, and owner of several pro-Trump websites who died of a stroke.<ref>[https://www.inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/washington-protest-trump-capitol-pennsylvania-ben-philips-20210107.html He organized a bus of Trump supporters from Pa. for 'the first day of the rest of our lives.' He died in Washington.] inquirer.com, 7 January 2021.</ref>

[[File:Pipe bomb suspect FBI Jan 2021.png|145px|thumb|The main suspect in carrying out the bombing, carrying the bomb.]]

140 Capitol police officers were injured by rioters,<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/police-union-says-140-officers-injured-in-capitol-riot/2021/01/27/60743642-60e2-11eb-9430-e7c77b5b0297_story.html Police union says 140 officers injured in Capitol riot] by Tom Jackman (January 27, 2021 at 7:47 p.m. EST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> including one officer who was stabbed repeatedly with an American flagpole while lying on the steps.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/police-capitol-injuires-trump/2021/01/11/ca68e3e2-5438-11eb-a08b-f1381ef3d207_story.html Beaten, sprayed with mace and hit with stun guns: police describe injuries to dozens of officers during assault on U.S. Capitol] by Peter Hermann & Julie Zauzmer (Jan. 11, 2021 at 4:22 p.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Two D.C. police officers who responded to the riot committed suicide in the following days.<ref>Peter Hermann, [https://archive.ph/NwT8T D.C. police sent 850 officers to the Capitol during the insurrection, spent $8.8 million during week of Jan. 6]. Archived from the original at The Washington Post, 26 January 2021.</ref><ref>Annie Grayer,[https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/27/politics/police-officers-suicide-capitol-riot/index.html Two police officers died by suicide after responding to Capitol riot]. CNN, 27 January 2021.</ref>

===Known or charged participants===
{{cquote|We are ready for the rioters, this week I organized an alliance between Oath Keepers, Florida 3%ers, and Proud Boys. We have decided to work together and shut this shit down.|||Kelly Meggs, who faces conspiracy charges, on [[Facebook]], December 19, 2020<ref name=cheney>[https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/24/oath-keepers-proud-boys-alliance-capitol-riot-477741 New evidence suggests 'alliance' between Oath Keepers, Proud Boys ahead of Jan. 6: The evidence is the first to suggest coordination among the various extremist groups as they prepared to descend on Washington.] by Kyle Cheney (03/24/2021 09:08 AM EDT; Updated: 03/24/2021 11:38 AM EDT) ''Politico''.</ref><ref name=meggs>[https://www.politico.com/f/?id=00000178-6431-d985-abf9-edfdc63b0000 United States of America v. Kelly Meggs] Case 1:21-cr-00028-APM Document 98 Filed 03/23/21.</ref>}}
{{cquote|Then wait for the 6th when we are all in DC to insurrection|||Kelly Meggs, Facebook, December 26, 2020<ref name=cheney/><ref name=meggs/>}}

After nearly 1 year, 725 arrests were made with 225 of the arrestees charged with assault or resisting arrest, and 75 of the 225 charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/12/31/capitol-deadly-attack-insurrection-arrested-convicted/ Prosecutors break down charges, convictions for 725 arrested so far in Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol] by Keith L. Alexander (December 31, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

As of March 2021, among those charged with Federal crimes, there were at least 18 associated with QAnon, 17 associated with the Proud Boys, 13 associated with the Oath Keepers, and "at least 14% [...] had possible ties to the military or to law enforcement."<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2021/02/09/965472049/the-capitol-siege-the-arrested-and-their-stories#database The Capitol Siege: The Arrested And Their Stories] (Updated March 12, 202112:23 PM ET) ''NPR''.</ref> The majority of those charged did not have known affiliations with militias or other extremist groups.<ref name=barrett1/> In the early stages of trials of arrestees (July 2021), one person has attempted a [[sovereign citizen]] defense, Pauline Bauer, who allegedly threatened Speaker Pelosi's life.<ref>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/pizzeria-owner-pauline-bauer-mounts-truly-bizarre-defense-for-jan-6-riots Pizzeria Owner Mounts Truly Bizarre Defense for Jan. 6 Riots: Not only is she representing herself, she's using far-out "sovereign citizen" talking points to claim she is immune from prosecution.] by Kelly Weill (Published Jul. 11, 2021 5:15AM ET; Updated Jul. 12, 2021 4:46AM ET) ''The Daily Beast''.</ref>

Most of the defendants are facing multiple charges, but most of the charges are misdemeanors. Only 600 of the 2000 charges are potential felonies, suggesting that many of the defendants if convicted might not face serious jail time,<ref name=barrett1/> although the possibility of additional charges being appended as time progresses and evidence is gathered is not out of the question.

There were rioters from all 50 states, as well as from DC. As of March 2021, 500 people have been charged with crimes at the federal level, including 100 who have been charged with assaulting police.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/capitol-riot-arrests-among-largest/2021/06/30/451ab8a4-d9bd-11eb-9bbb-37c30dcf9363_story.html U.S. arrests more than a dozen in Capitol riot, among the most made public in a single day] by Spencer S. Hsu & Rachel Weiner (June 30, 2021 at 4:57 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> It is one of largest criminal probes in US history.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/capitol-attack-investigation-largest/2021/03/12/5c07b46c-833d-11eb-9ca6-54e187ee4939_story.html Justice Dept. calls Jan. 6 'Capitol Attack' probe one of largest in U.S. history, expects at least 400 to be charged] by Spencer S. Hsu (March 12, 2021 at 4:28 p.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> The alleged crimes include a wide range of offenses from the serious to the relatively minor:<ref name=doj>[https://www.justice.gov/opa/investigations-regarding-violence-capitol Investigations regarding violence at the Capitol]. United States Department of Justice.</ref><ref name=chc>[https://extremism.gwu.edu/Capitol-Hill-Cases Capitol Hill Siege], George Washington University Program on Extremism.{{blockquote|In keeping with our tradition of providing primary source documents to the research community and the public at large, The Program on Extremism has launched a project to create a central database of court records related to the events of January 6, 2021. This page will be updated as additional individuals are charged with criminal activities and new records are introduced into the criminal justice system.}}</ref>

{{collist|3|
*Aiding and Abetting
*Assaulting, Resisting or Impeding Certain Officers
**Assault on a Federal Officer with a Dangerous or Deadly Weapon
**Using a Dangerous Weapon
*Carrying a Pistol without a License Outside Home or Place of Business
*Civil Disorder
*Conspiracy
**Conspiracy to Impede or Injure Officer
**More than a dozen Oath Keepers<ref name=hsu1>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/captiol-riots-indictment-proud-boys/2021/03/18/971da624-8770-11eb-82bc-e58213caa38e_story.html Proud Boys conspired in multiple encrypted channels ahead of Jan. 6 riot, fearing criminal gang charges, U.S. alleges] by Spencer S. Hsu & Rachel Weiner (March 18, 2021 at 5:08 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> have been charged with conspiracy, one of a group of nine alleged conspirators who claimed that 50 to 100 Oath Keepers were planning to travel to DC to "make it wild".<ref name=hsu5>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/oathkeepers-charged-capitol-riot/2021/02/19/ac41f692-72ce-11eb-b8a9-b9467510f0fe_story.html U.S. alleges wider Oath Keepers conspiracy, adds more defendants in Jan. 6 Capitol riot] by Spencer S. Hsu & Rachel Weiner (Feb. 19, 2021 at 4:15 p.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
**More than twenty Proud Boys have been charged with conspiracy<ref name=hsu1/>
*Curfew violation
*Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
*Destruction of Government Property
*Disorderly and Disruptive Conduct in a Restricted Building
**Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
*Entering and Remaining in a Restricted Building or Grounds
**Entering and Remaining on the Floor of Congress
*Forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, or interfered with any officer or employee of the United States or of any agency in any branch of the United States Government
*Impeding Passage Through the Capitol Grounds or Buildings
*Knowingly Entering or Remaining in any Restricted Building or Grounds Without Lawful Authority
*Making interstate threats to Speaker Nancy Pelosi
*Obstruction of an Official Proceeding
*Parading, Demonstrating, or Picketing in a Capitol Building
*Possession of a Large Capacity Ammunition Feeding Device
*Sedition
**11 members of the [[Oath Keepers]], including founder Stewart Rhodes, were charged with seditious conspiracy on January 13 2022.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/13/politics/oathkeeper-rhodes-arrested-doj/index.html "Oath Keepers leader and 10 others charged with 'seditious conspiracy' related to US Capitol attack"] by Hannah Rabinowitz, Katelyn Polantz, Tierney Sneed and Holmes Lybrand, CNN, 2022 January 13</ref>
*Theft of Government Property
*Threatening to assault a Federal Law Enforcement Officer
*Threats in Interstate Commerce
*Unlawful Activities on Capitol Grounds, Parades, Assemblages and Display of Flags
*Unlawful Entry on Restricted Building or Grounds
*Unlawful Possession of a Firearm on Capitol Grounds or Buildings
*Violent Entry and Disorderly Conduct in a Capitol Building
*Willfully and knowingly uttering loud, threatening, or abusive language, or engaging in disorderly or disruptive conduct, at any place in the Grounds or in any of the Capitol Buildings…
}}
Because five people died as a result of events on January 6, it is possible that people could be charged with murder because of the "felony murder" rule.<ref name=hessick>[https://www.lawfareblog.com/felony-murder-and-storming-capitol Felony Murder and the Storming of the Capitol] by Carissa Byrne Hessick (January 14, 2021, 9:19 AM) ''Lawfare''.</ref> The federal felony murder statute can be triggered when someone commits any of several crimes (burglary is most likely in this case) in which someone else committed a murder; the burglar can then under specific conditions be charged and convicted of murder.<ref name=hessick/>

====Police and military involvement====
The relatively large number of off-duty police officers who are being investigated and in some cases arrested is remarkable because police departments are in many of these cases turning in their own to the [[FBI]], breaking with the notorious {{wpl|Blue wall of silence|"blue wall of silence"|.}}<ref name=knowles>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/02/21/officer-joseph-fischer-charged-capitol-riots/ 'Front of the pack': Off-duty Pa. officer charged at police during the Capitol riots, FBI says] by Hannah Knowles (Feb. 20, 2021 at 9:06 p.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

One off-duty Capitol police officer, Michael Angelo Riley, was charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly warning a riot suspect to remove their Facebook posts.<ref name=hsu-hermann>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/capitol-police-officer-charged-obstruction-riley/2021/10/15/da34a198-2dd2-11ec-985d-3150f7e106b2_story.html Capitol Police officer charged with obstruction, accused of warning Jan. 6 riot suspect to remove Facebook posts] by Spencer S. Hsu & Peter Hermann (October 15, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Riley subsequently removed his Facebook posts with the suspect after being warned by said suspect that they were interrogated by the FBI, indicating a [[consciousness of guilt]].<ref name=hsu-hermann/>

A former FBI supervisor, Jared L. Wise, was not arrested until May 2023 because of an anonymous tip sent to the FBI. Wise was confirmed to have been at the riot based on cell phone data. Wise reportedly confronted police officers at the riot, telling them "You are the [[Nazi]]. You are the [[Gestapo]]. … Shame on you!" and telling rioters to kill the police.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/05/03/ex-fbi-agent-arrested/ Former FBI supervisor arrested in connection with Jan. 6 riot: Jared Wise, formerly assigned to the Washington field office, left the bureau in 2017] by Tom Jackman (May 3, 2023 at 3:52 p.m. EDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/former-fbi-agent-that-compared-police-to-nazis-charged-for-jan-6-involvement/ar-AA1aGDW0 Former FBI agent who compared police to Nazis charged for Jan. 6 involvement] by Stephen Neukam (May 3, 2023) ''The Hill''.</ref>

====Attacks on journalists====
Several people were charged with destroying [[journalist]]s' equipment and violence or incitement of violence against members of the [[media]],<ref name=barrett2>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/capitol-riot-media-attacks/2021/07/02/8af871d2-daa7-11eb-bb9e-70fda8c37057_story.html FBI launches flurry of arrests over attacks on journalists during Capitol riot] by Devlin Barrett (July 3, 2021 at 3:00 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> doubtless inspired by Trump's relentless attacks on [[mainstream media]],<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/media/a-history-of-the-trump-war-on-media--the-obsession-not-even-coronavirus-could-stop/2020/03/28/71bb21d0-f433-11e9-8cf0-4cc99f74d127_story.html A history of the Trump War on Media – the obsession not even coronavirus could stop] by Manuel Roig-Franzia & Sarah Ellison (March 29, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> including during the {{sl|Two Minutes Hate}}. One of the arrestees, Joshua Dillon Haynes, allegedly messaged, "We attacked the [[CNN]] reporters and the [[fake news]] and destroyed tens of thousands of dollars of their video and television equipment here's a picture behind me of the pile we made out of it."<ref name=barrett2/>

====Anti-abortion insurrectionists====
Several [[anti-abortion]] activists were known to have been present at the insurrection, which given that there has been a conspiracist thread ([[white genocide]]) running through part of the anti-abortion movement dating back to the [[KKK]]'s heyday, should not be a surprise since QAnon, a driver of the insurrection, [[Unified conspiracy theory|reflects back virtually every conspiracy theory]].<ref name=winter>[https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-link-between-the-capitol-riot-and-anti-abortion-extremism The Link Between the Capitol Riot and Anti-Abortion Extremism] by Jessica Winter (March 11, 2021) ''The New Yorker''.</ref> Known anti-abortion activists at the insurrection were:<ref name=winter/>
*"John Brockhoeft, who was convicted of firebombing a Planned Parenthood clinic in Cincinnati, in 1985, and of conspiring to bomb another abortion clinic in Pensacola, in 1988, live-streamed from outside the Capitol."
*Derrick Evans, a member of the [[West Virginia]] House of Delegates, resigned after being charged with illegally entering the Capitol. He had frequently harassed staff at West Virginia's sole clinic.
*Leo Brent Bozell IV, son of [[L. Brent Bozell III]], and grandson of L. Brent Bozell, Jr. who was an anti-abortion activist.
*Christine Priola held an anti-abortion sign at the insurrection, wrote a resignation letter that indicated she believed in QAnon ("to expose the global evil of human trafficking and pedophilia", etc.), charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct in the Capitol.<ref name=doj/>

====Drivers of insurrection====
The Chicago Project on Security and Threats conducted three linked analyses to determine the like drivers that caused people to storm the Capitol: 1) on the 377 people arrested in connection with the insurrection as of March 31, 2021 2) on a 1000-person representative survey of Americans and 3) on a 1000-person representative survey of conservatives.<ref name=pape>[https://d3qi0qp55mx5f5.cloudfront.net/cpost/i/docs/americas_insurrectionists_online_2021_04_06.pdf Understanding American Domestic Terrorism: Mobilization Potential and Risk Factors of a New Threat Trajectory] by Robert A. Pape et al. (April 6, 2021) ''The Chicago Project on Security and Threats''.</ref><ref>[https://cpost.uchicago.edu/research/domestic_extremism/ American Political Violence] The Chicago Project on Security and Threats ''.</ref>

Fear of [[The Great Replacement]] was a significant driver of insurrection. Arrestees were 6 times more likely to come from counties with declines in the percentage of non-Hispanic Whites in the population. Fear that Blacks and Hispanics are overtaking Whites increased the likelihood of being an insurrectionist by threefold in the second study. Fear that Blacks and Hispanics will have more rights than Whites increased the likelihood of being an insurrectionist by twofold in the third study.<ref name=pape/>

Compared to previous right-wing extremist arrests, the insurrectionists were much older and less likely to be unemployed. Many had white-collar jobs (30%) and 14% were business owners.<ref name=pape/>

Using [[social media]] for 7 or more hours per day was a significant driver for insurrection (5-6 times more likely).<ref name=pape/>

===Coup plotter nothing wrong===
{{cquote|The only reason I know to ask for a pardon is because you think you've committed a crime.|||Representative Adam Kinzinger, January 6 Committee<ref name=transcript5/>}}
According to testimony two members of the Trump White House, several people, including five members of Congress, sought (and did not receive) Presidential pardons, presumably based on their activities in connection with the January 6<sup>th</sup> events:<ref name=transcript5/><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/23/5-takeaways-jan-6-hearing-trumps-doj-plot/ 5 takeaways from the Jan. 6 hearing on Trump's Justice Dept. plot] by Aaron Blake (June 23, 2022 at 6:26 p.m. EDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
{{collist|2|
#John Eastman, Trump's lawyer
#[[Mo Brooks]] (R-[[Alabama]])
#[[Matt Gaetz]] (R-[[Florida]])
#Andy Biggs (R-[[Arizona]])
#[[Louie Gohmert]] (R-[[Texas]])
#[[Marjorie Taylor Greene]] (R-[[Georgia]])
#Scott Perry (R-[[Pennsylvania]]), though Perry denied that he had requested a pardon. Perry played a key role in promoting the absurd<ref name=transcript5/> "Italygate" conspiracy theory that alleged US election fraud.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2022/06/23/scott-perry/ Rep. Scott Perry played key role in promoting false claims of fraud] by Jacqueline Alemany et al. (June 23, 2022) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
}}

==Reactions==
[[File:Interior damage after 2021 storming of the United States Capitol by Bill Cassidy 01.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Damage to the building's interior from the rioters.]]

Numerous outlets, journalists, academics, lawmakers, [[pundit]]s, and even members of Trump's own administration denounced his actions on January 6 as an attempted coup.<ref>[https://amp.theatlantic.com/amp/article/617570/ "This Is a Coup," David A. Graham, The Atlantic]</ref><ref>[https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/01/06/opinions/trumps-american-carnage-ends-with-a-coup-attempt-avlon/index.html "Now Is It a Coup?" David Rosenberg, MotherJones.]</ref><ref>[https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/01/06/opinions/trumps-american-carnage-ends-with-a-coup-attempt-avlon/index.html "Donald Trump's American carnage ends with a coup attempt," John Avlon, CNN]</ref> The Senate hearing about certifying the election results that ensued was fraught with much anger at the wannabe dictator from both sides. Analysts criticized all who still refused to believe Trump had the capacity for a coup attempt following the wake of this day.<ref>[https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/01/06/coup-america-capitol-electoral-college-2020-election/ "This Is a Coup. Why Were Experts So Reluctant to See It Coming?" Paul Musgrave, Foreign Policy.]</ref> Even previously loyalist Republicans and [[Fox News|pro-Trump news outlets]] were disgusted by the treasonous act.<ref>[https://thehill.com/homenews/house/532944-gop-lawmaker-on-violence-at-capitol-this-is-a-coup-attempt "GOP lawmaker on violence at Capitol: 'This is a coup attempt," Justine Coleman, The Hill]</ref> Calls to impeach Trump immediately came not just from mainstream media outlets such as [[Nation (magazine)|Nation]],<ref>[https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/impeach-trump-capitol-sedition/ "Impeach Trump Immediately"] by John Nichols, Nation, 2021 January 6</ref> {{wpl|Mother Jones (magazine)|Mother Jones}} (who correctly called Trump a "terrorist leader"),<ref>[https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/01/donald-trump-is-now-a-terrorist-leader/ "Donald Trump Is Now a Terrorist Leader"] by David Corn, Mother Jones, 2021 January 6</ref> {{wpl|Slate (magazine)|Slate|,}}<ref>[https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/01/impeach-trump-now.html "Remove Trump Now"] by Jeremy Stahl, Slate, 2021 January 6</ref> {{wpl|Time (magazine)|Time}}<ref>[https://time.com/5927034/impeach-donald-trump-again/ "We Must Impeach Donald Trump Again"] by David French, Time, 2021 January 6</ref> {{wpl|The Atlantic}},<ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/01/impeach-trump-again/617573/ "Impeach Trump Again"] by Yoni Appelbaum, The Atlantic, 2021 January 6</ref> and [[The New York Times]],<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/06/opinion/impeach-trump.html "Impeach and Convict. Right Now."] by Bret Stephens, New York Times, 2021 January 6</ref> but also from right-leaning outlets like the [[National Review]]<ref>[https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/trump-must-pay/ "Trump Must Pay"] by Matt Continetti, National Review, 2021 January 6</ref> and {{wpl|The American Conservative||.}}<ref>[https://www.theamericanconservative.com/state-of-the-union/remove-trump-from-office/ "Remove Trump From Office"] by Daniel Larison, 2021 January 6</ref> Not only did the [[NAACP]] and [[the Lincoln Project]] call for the immediate impeachment of Trump,<ref>[https://naacp.org/impeach-trump-immediately/ "Impeach Trump Immediately",] NAACP.org</ref><ref>[https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/533005-lincoln-project-adds-to-impeachment-calls "Lincoln Project adds to impeachment calls"] by Justine Coleman, The Hill, 2021 January 6</ref> but the frickin' {{wpl|National Association of Manufacturers}} even suggested that Vice President Pence evoke the {{wpl|Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution}} to remove Trump from office.<ref>[https://www.axios.com/trump-protests-dc-capitol-business-citi-brt-nam-25th-amendment-0f51b5d7-06ce-4f29-9b3a-1ea7d36c5a42.html "National Association of Manufacturers suggests Pence invoke the 25th Amendment"] by Ursula Perano, Axios, 2021 January 6</ref>

After tolerating Trump shamelessly stretching the norms of major social media platforms' terms of service to their very limits for over a decade, ''this'' was finally enough for the moderation teams of said platforms to take meaningful action. [[Twitter]] locked Trump's account for 12 hours,<ref>[https://www.axios.com/twitter-removes-trump-tweets-f198f970-c9f8-469d-9b34-13429aa26320.html "Twitter locks Trump out over election fraud tweets amid Capitol siege"] by Ina Fried, Axios, 2021 January 6</ref> and {{wpl|Snapchat}} also locked his account.<ref>[https://www.axios.com/snapchat-locks-trump-account-violence-capitol-95d9a9da-8e79-4185-b418-6c69c25c7716.html?utm_source=fark&utm_medium=website&utm_content=link&ICID=ref_fark "Snapchat locks Trump's account amid chaos in Washington"] by SaraFischer, Axios, 2021 January 6</ref> But surprisingly enough, it was [[Facebook]] that finally tired of Trump's bullshit the most, removing him from both their platform ''and'' [[Instagram]] "indefinitely and for at least the next two weeks until the peaceful transition of power is complete".<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/facebook-instagram-ban-trump-capitol-riots-b1783967.html "Facebook and Instagram Ban Trump Indefinitely after Violent Riots] by Andrew Griffin, Independent, 2021 January 7</ref> On January 8 2021, Twitter finally had enough of the wannabe-dictator's [[bullshit]], permanently suspending @realdonaldtrump.<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2021/01/08/954760928/twitter-bans-president-trump-citing-risk-of-further-incitement-of-violence "Twitter Bans President Trump, Citing 'Risk Of Further Incitement Of Violence'"] by Bobby Allyn and Tamara Keith, NPR, 2021 January 8</ref> Twitter also removed tweets whining about '''mUh fReEzEpEaCh''' that functioned as attempts at ban evasion from @POTUS, and permanently suspended @TeamTrump.<ref>[https://www.theverge.com/2021/1/8/22221683/trump-tried-to-evade-his-ban-with-potus-but-those-tweets-were-instantly-deleted Twitter is deleting Trump's attempts to circumvent ban]. ''The Verge.'' 8 January 2021.</ref>

===Splash damage===
[[File:210112-Z-NI803-2548 (50884625908).jpg|thumb|right|350px|National Guard soldiers in the US Capitol ahead of Joe Biden's inauguration.]]
The riot resulted in many people being axed from social media sites, and even got the legs of the wannabe far-right social media site [[Parler]] (in practice an ID harvesting operation funded by the same people who funded [[Cambridge Analytica]]) metaphorically sawed off.<ref>[https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/johnpaczkowski/amazon-parler-aws Amazon Will Suspend Hosting For Pro-Trump Social Network Parler], ''Buzzfeed''</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210112014415/https://twitter.com/okta/status/1348191370528256002 We were notified that Parler was using a free trial of Okta's product and we have terminated Parler's access to the Okta platform. While we support organizations across the political spectrum, our platform will not be used for threats of violence and illegal activity.] by @Okta (12:54 AM - 10 Jan 2021) ''Twitter'' (archived from January 12, 2021).</ref><ref>[https://archive.ph/ILmgh @RealOGAnonymous]: BREAKING - @twilio has cut services with Parler, registration is now inoperable due to SMS capabilities being lost. Thank you, Twilio. Let us hope other vendors follow suit., ''Twitter'' (archived from 12 Jan 2021 10:01:47 UTC).</ref><ref>[https://archive.ph/JBZZT @RealOGAnonymous] (Zendesk post transcribed from embedded image posted on Twitter on 4:41 PM · Jan 10, 2021): "Hello, we wanted to share an update that Zendesk will be suspending Parler's account effectie 11:59 p.m. on January 10, 2021 as a result of violations of our User Content and Conduct Policy" (archived from 2 Mar 2025 18:25:48 UTC).a</ref><ref>[https://www.marketwatch.com/story/what-to-know-about-parler-the-social-media-platform-that-is-attracting-millions-of-trump-supporters-11606497149 What to know about Parler, the social-media platform that is now attracting millions of Trump supporters] by Alex Newhouse (Last Updated: Nov. 30, 2020 at 11:18 a.m. ET; First Published: Nov. 27, 2020 at 12:12 p.m. ET) ''Market Watch''.</ref> Likewise, [[8chan]], the far-right imageboard and primary source of the QAnon [[Conspiracy theory|theories]] (rechristened to 8kun), had lost its clearnet domain, and is currently slated to go [[Tor]]-only "soon".<ref>[https://twitter.com/fr_brennan/status/1348897011014258688 @fr_brennan]: BREAKING: because of an anonymous tip via email I can confirm that @LimTheNick has failed to keep 8kun online during the latest onslaught of deplatforming. The platform will be going Tor only "soon". ''Twitter'' (note: LimTheNick is the CEO of VanwaTech, the provider providing hosting to 8kun.)</ref>

Again, this bears repeating just in case you didn't get the memo: Trump's Twitter was <big<!--(ly)-->>'''FINALLY GONE!'''</big<!--(ly)-->> Now that we have your attention, this also means the Mango [[Messiah]]'s influence has been greatly diminished, as his inane Twitter babbling gave him a lot of power which has now been stripped from him. And the Facebook ban? That's a second shot to the liver. Overall, Trump's banishment from social media had a ''HUUUGE'' impact on social media disinformation – San Francisco analytics firm {{wpl|Zignal Labs}} found that online disinformation about election fraud plunged by 73 percent after Trump's suspension.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/01/16/misinformation-trump-twitter/ "Misinformation dropped dramatically the week after Twitter banned Trump"] by Elizabeth Dwoskin and Craig Timberg, Washington Post, 2021 January 16</ref> This was at least until [[Elon Musk|someone]] decided to reinstate his account.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/19/business/twitter-musk-trump-reinstate/index.html Elon Musk restores Donald Trump's Twitter account] by  Clare Duffy and Paul LeBlanc, November 19, 2022, ''CNN''</ref>

Many Trump officials resigned<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/trump-officials-resign-capitol-riots-grisham-mulvaney-172931950.html Here are all the Trump officials who have resigned since the Capitol riot.] ''yahoo!news''</ref><ref group=note>Not as brave as it sounds, as if Trump hadn't done enough already. That's as brave as getting out of a car going 1 mph.</ref> over this event, a clear signal that this riot ''bigly'' inconvenienced Trump and broken the back of his entire online presence. Why? Just to be extra clear, '''the Capitol riot can now be cited as an example at any time, anywhere, by any person, as the ultimate reason why Trump is one of the most dangerous figures to ever hold public office in the United States of America.''' It also exposes the tatters of the Republican Party as having no position at all besides the raw desire for power; it can no longer claim to even be the party of "law and order".<ref>{{wpa|Law and order (politics)}}</ref>

Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) filed a lawsuit against Trump and Giuliani, and members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, accusing them of conspiring in violation of the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2021/02/18/ku-klux-klan-act-capitol-attack/ The 150-year-old Ku Klux Klan Act being used against Trump in Capitol attack] by Erick Trickey (Feb. 18, 2021 at 4:00 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> In the case of Trump, this could be considered a case of [[karma]] since his [[Fred Trump#Views on race|father was very likely a klansman]]. The NAACP also sued Trump and the [[GOP]] in December 2020 under the Klan Act and the [[Voting Rights Act]], "alleging that they conspired to interfere with the civil rights of Black voters in Michigan."<ref>[https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/531277-naacp-files-suit-accusing-trump-gop-of-violating-kkk-act NAACP files suit accusing Trump, GOP of violating KKK Act] by Harper Neidig (12/22/20 11:37 AM EST) ''The Hill''.</ref>

Representative Eric Swalwell also filed a lawsuit, this one accusing Representative Mo Brooks, Donald Trump Sr., Donald Trump Jr., and Rudy Giuliani of instigating the riot.<ref>[https://thehill.com/homenews/house/557086-mo-brooks-served-with-swalwell-lawsuit Mo Brooks served with Swalwell lawsuit] by Joseph Choi (06/06/21 08:30 PM EDT) ''The Hill''.</ref>

Following what appears to be Trump-ally Benjamin Netanyahu's imminent ouster from power in [[Israel]] in June 2021, the head of Israel's internal security service (Shin Bet) Nadav Argaman issued a warning that "extremely violent and inciting discourse" and that demonstrations "may be interpreted by certain groups or individuals as one that allows for violent and illegal activities that may even, God forbid, become lethal", reflecting both the January 6 insurrection and the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 by a right-wing extremist.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/netanyahu-trump-capitol-mob-siege/2021/06/06/40a1d10e-c68a-11eb-89a4-b7ae22aa193e_story.html Israeli security chief issues rare warning over potential for Jan. 6-style mob violence ahead of Netanyahu departure] by Shira Rubin (June 6, 2021 at 5:19 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

It remains to be seen whether and how other countries in the world will be affected by this. It certainly presents a stark warning about the dangers of [[authoritarianism]], but the reaction may be quite mixed. That being said, it has already managed to [[Stopped clock|kick a little sense]] into many of the less-than-competent leaders of democracies across the world, such as [[Boris Johnson]] and the [[Tory|UK Conservative Party]].<ref>[https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1380701/boris-johnson-donald-trump-riots-washington-protests-capital-latest-update Boris Johnson condemns 'disgraceful' Trump riots as Washington descends into chaos.] ''EXPRESS''.</ref>

Furthermore, it is now clear once and for all that what happened on January 6, 2021, will ''not'' be forgotten by American history. This is most likely for the better in the future, as the union can no longer pretend to be immune to the rise of [[fascism]], let alone ignore its past in [[slavery]] and the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] and similar events.<ref group=note>Not to mention its long history with genocides (of Native Americans) – an [[Holodomor|all-time favorite]] [[Holocaust|pastime]] [[Uighur genocide|of]] [[Armenian Genocide denial|dictators]].</ref> It will likely mark the US for years, if not decades, to come.

====Lawyers in the dock====
The lawyers who helped Trump promote his fraudulent claims of election irregularities are facing repercussions. Why? Because it is a lawyer's professional duty to make due diligence in investigating claims that they bring to court as evidence, to not promote [[hearsay]] evidence, to not make fraudulent or frivolous claims, and to not file lawsuits in [[bad faith]].
*Lawyers Gary D. Fielder and Ernest John Walker had filed a spurious lawsuit quoting a Trump tweet and hearsay evidence in a lawsuit regarding the Colorado election results.<ref name=helderman>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/colorado-sanctions-trump-lawsuit/2021/08/04/704dec92-f53a-11eb-a49b-d96f2dac0942_story.html 'The stuff of which violent insurrections are made:' Federal judge punishes Colorado lawyers for 2020 election lawsuit] by Rosalind S. Helderman (August 4, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> In a scathing 86-page legal judgment, they have been ordered to pay the legal fees for all 18 of the entities that they had sued.<ref name=helderman/>
*A committee of judges in New York State suspended Rudy Giuliani's law license for his legal shenanigans regarding the 2020 election.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/rudy-giuliani-law-license-suspended/2021/06/24/037f3f4c-d502-11eb-a53a-3b5450fdca7a_story.html Giuliani's N.Y. law license suspended in connection with efforts to overturn 2020 election] by Shayna Jacobs et al. (June 24, 2021 at 4:37 p.m. EDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> He has since been charged with various criminal offences relating to the election.<ref>[https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/rudy-giuliani-indicted-georgia_n_62fb1527e4b0a85a81957b1d Rudy Giuliani Indicted In Georgia On Election Interference Charges] by Nick Visser (August 15, 2020 at 4:17 a.m. BST) ''The Huffington Post''.</ref> As a result of his unethical practices, Giuliani has been disbarred in both NY <ref>[https://www.politico.com/news/2024/07/02/rudy-giuliani-disbarred-in-new-york-00166232 Rudy Giuliani disbarred in New York] by Kyle Cheney (Updated: 07/02/2024 12:29 PM EDT) ''Politico''.</ref> and DC.<ref>[https://www.politico.com/news/2024/09/26/rudy-giuliani-disbarred-washington-00181183 Rudy Giuliani permanently disbarred in Washington, DC] by Josh Gerstein & Kyle Cheney (09/26/2024 11:26 AM EDT) ''Politico''.</ref>
*Seven of the lawyers who falsely alleged massive fraud in Michigan, including "Kraken" lawyers Sidney Powell and Lin Wood, were ordered to pay thousands of dollars worth of sanctions for their baseless legal filings. Hilariously, four of them were ordered to sit through legal education classes as the court considered them incompetent to work.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/sanctions-against-sidney-powell-over-trump-election-claims-largely-upheld-2023-06-23/ Sanctions against Sidney Powell over Trump election claims largely upheld] by David Thomas (June 23, 2023 at 10:59 p.m.) ''Reuters''.</ref> Powell was later prosecuted for racketeering, election fraud and conspiracy over her attempts to subvert [[Georgia]]'s electoral process,<ref>[https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-you-need-to-know-about-sidney-powells-2020-election-charges What you need to know about Sidney Powell’s 2020 election charges] (August 25, 2023 at 8:32 a.m. EDT) ''PBS''.</ref> and was forced to plead guilty to six misdemeanors to avoid prison.<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/19/politics/sidney-powell-fulton-county-georgia-2020-election-subversion/index.html Trump attorney Sidney Powell pleads guilty in Georgia election subversion case] by Marshall Cohen, ''CNN'', 19 October 2020.</ref>
*The State Bar of Georgia brought disciplinary charges against Lin Wood for his repeated bad faith challenges to the election, forcing him to surrender his license to practice.<ref>[https://apnews.com/article/lin-wood-donald-trump-lawyer-e7a926bf24d3c846296c62448c2395f9 Attorney who challenged Trump’s 2020 loss gives up law license as states weigh disciplining him] by Meg Kinnard (July 5, 2023) ''Associated Press''.</ref>
*John Eastman was disbarred for criminally conspiring to obstruct the electoral count on January 6.<ref>[https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/lawyer-john-eastman-disbarment-trump-trial-defense-rcna146125 Why MAGA lawyer John Eastman’s disbarment ruling is bad news for Trump] by Dennis Aftergut and Neil Goteiner (April 3, 2024) ''MSNBC''.</ref>
*Pro-Trump attorney Stefanie Lambert filed a spurious lawsuit alleging massive fraud in Michigan.<ref name=Trump-Loving>[https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-loving-attorney-stefanie-lambert-charged-in-michigan-voting-machine-investigation Trump-Loving Attorney Is Third Charged in Michigan Voting Machine Investigation] by AJ McDougall (August 4, 2023) ''Daily Beast''.</ref> Lambert and another lawyer, failed Attorney General candidate Matthew DePerno, were later criminally charged for illegally accessing and tampering with voting machines on behalf of other pro-Trump actors.<ref name=Trump-Loving/>
*Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was heavily involved in legal challenges to the election result, even asking the Supreme Court to throw out the election.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-rejects-texas-election-lawsuit-challenging-biden-win/ Supreme Court rejects Texas bid to overturn election results in four states] by Melissa Quinn (December 12, 2020 at 6:50 a.m.) ''CBS News''.</ref> He now faces ethics charges from the state bar for having misled the Supreme Court during the suit, and if he loses the case Paxton's license could be suspended or he could even be disbarred.<ref name=Bleiberg>[https://uk.movies.yahoo.com/texas-ag-ken-paxton-acquitted-183414230.html Texas AG Ken Paxton was acquitted at his impeachment trial. He still faces legal troubles] by Jake Bleiberg (September 17, 2023) ''Yahoo News''.</ref> He was also suspended from his position pending an impeachment trial over accusations of corruption,<ref>[https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/what-to-know-about-the-impeachment-trial-of-texas-attorney-general-ken-paxton/articleshow/103386926.cms What to know about the impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton] (September 5, 2020 at 2:52 p.m. IST) ''The Times of India''.</ref> and while the bastard was acquitted in a show trial he is under criminal investigation by the FBI into the same charges.<ref name=Bleiberg/><ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2023/09/17/texas-ken-paxton-acquitted-impeachment-trial/ Texas attorney general acquitted in historic impeachment trial] by Susie Coen (September 17, 2023) ''The Telegraph''.</ref><ref>[https://www.wsj.com/articles/dan-patrick-saves-ken-paxton-impeachment-texas-gop-senate-dd04c809 Why Ken Paxton was Acquitted] - ''Wall Street Journal'' editorial piece.</ref>

===Impeachment===
[[File:Trump Second Impeachment Vote.png|thumb|right|350px|The House votes for a historic second impeachment.]]
{{main|Impeachment}}
After the insurrection, various parties called for the impeachment of the president, including historians, congresspeople<ref>Barbara Sprunt, [https://www.npr.org/sections/congress-electoral-college-tally-live-updates/2021/01/07/954438077/top-senate-democrat-calls-for-trumps-removal-from-office Pelosi, Schumer Join Chorus Of Calls For Invocation Of 25th Amendment Against Trump]. NPR, January 7, 2021.</ref> and governors.<ref>Ross A. Lincoln, [https://www.thewrap.com/vermonts-gop-governor-calls-for-trumps-removal-rep-ilhan-omar-to-draft-impeachment-articles Growing Number of Republicans, Democrats Call for Trump's Resignation or Impeachment]. thewrap.com, 6 January 2021.</ref><ref>[https://hoiabc.com/2021/01/06/illinois-governor-calls-for-trumps-impeachment-removal-from-office Illinois governor calls for Trump's impeachment, removal from office]. hoiabc.com, 6 January 2021.</ref> On January 11, David Cicilline (D-[[Rhode Island|RI]]) introduced articles of impeachment against Trump. On January 13, 2021, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Trump 232-197, marking the first time in American history that a president has been impeached twice.<ref>Bill Chappell, [https://text.npr.org/956449072 House Impeaches Trump A 2nd Time, Citing Insurrection At U.S. Capitol]. NPR, 13 January 2021.</ref> Unlike last time, when only Democratic House members voted to impeach Trump, this time ten Republicans joined as well, with four abstaining.<ref>John Eligon and Thomas Kaplan, [https://www.nytimes.com/article/republicans-impeaching-donald-trump.html These Are the Republicans Who Supported Impeaching Trump]. The New York Times, 23 January 2021.</ref>

Speaking of McConnell, it also didn't help that the much-hated Kentucky senator, in spite of all his faults, [[Stopped clock|finally had enough]], calling on his Republican colleagues to "vote with their conscience", which is likely politicalese for suppressing the will to care about the "party line", and might have also been perceived as a threat to vote for conviction himself.<ref>[https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/mitch-mcconnell-tells-republicans-to-vote-with-their-conscience-ahead-of-president-donald-trumps-second-impeachment-trial/ar-BB1cOEdF Mitch McConnell tells Republicans to 'vote with their conscience' ahead of President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial.] ''msn''</ref>

[[File:President pro tempore Patrick Leahy presides over the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump.png|thumb|right|250px|Impeachment trial in the Senate.]]

Trump's impeachment defense amounted to two main arguments. The first is that his actions on and leading up to January 6th are protected by the [[First Amendment]]. The second is that it's unconstitutional to impeach/convict a President after they leave office. These are both, in two words, [[Bullshit|complete hogwash]]. The first is wrong because the First Amendment doesn't protect the President from the Senate convicting them and barring them from holding office. Even if it did apply, there are strong arguments that his actions constitute illegal incitement under the {{wpl|Brandenburg v. Ohio|Brandenburg Standard|.}}<ref>[https://int.nyt.com/data/documenttools/first-amendment-lawyers-trump-impeachment-defense/7fc3e63ae077f83d/full.pdf Constitutional Law Scholars on President Trump's First Amendment Defense]. Retrieved from New York Times, 5 February, 2021. PDF.</ref> The second is utterly spurious because ''Trump was impeached before he left office.'' There is also precedent for holders of public offices being impeached or tried after they left office or were expelled.<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-14/trump-impeachment-trial-after-his-term-ends-is-backed-by-history Trump Impeachment Trial After Term Ends Is Backed by History], ''Bloomberg Politics''. 14 January, 2021.</ref> Furthermore, while the Supreme Court normally rules on whether a law is constitutional or not; the decision to conduct an impeachment trial is a decision of the Senate alone and is likely not reviewable by the courts.

A dramatic difference in the quality of each side's cases in the impeachment trial was evident from the first day, February 9. During the opening debate over the rules of the trial, the House impeachment managers relied upon presenting the facts of Trump's words and the rioters' actions and noted that accepting the Trump team's spurious arguments for the trial being unconstitutional would create a "January exception" and give presidents impunity for high crimes and misdemeanors committed in their final weeks in office. Trump's defenders, meanwhile, gave a weak, rambling rebuttal that espoused those same spurious arguments and digressed into a myriad of random subjects. The trial moved forward. The prosecution presented even more detailed evidence of Trump's responsibility, using his own words and actions from the election to the day of the riot, and of the danger that the Senators themselves had been placed in by the mob. The defense attempted to downplay Trump's rhetoric by [[Whataboutism|equivocating it with other "robust rhetoric" by Democratic politicians]], [[Quote-mining|often out of context,]] and random civilian celebrities who had expressed antipathy to Trump (ignoring the fact that none of those statements were made to a seething mob of thousands of partisans blocks away from the Capitol while Electoral College votes were being certified).<ref>[https://www.politico.com/video/2021/02/12/trump-impeachment-defense-team-shows-9-plus-minute-compilation-of-dems-using-word-fight-131676 Trump impeachment defense team shows 9-plus minute compilation of Dems using the word "fight".] ''Politico,'' 12 Feb 2021.</ref>

On February 13th, 2021 the trial ended with a Senate vote. While Trump was again acquitted, unlike last time however, 7 Republicans<ref group="note">[[Mitt Romney]] convicted again with Richard Burr, Susan Collins, Bill Cassidy, [[Lisa Murkowski]], Ben Sasse and [[Pat Toomey]] joining him.</ref> chose to convict Donald Trump, resulting in a vote of 57-43.<ref name="republicanacquittal">[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-impeachment-idUSKBN2AD0AE With Republican firewall, U.S. Senate acquits Trump of inciting deadly Capitol riot], ''Reuters''</ref> Hypocritically, afterwards, [[Mitch McConnell]], who had chosen to acquit Trump of the actions proceeded to declare him guilty of the accusations, claimed that Trump was still responsible for inciting the attack.<ref name="republicanacquittal"/> One can only wonder why McConnell chose not to convict Trump in the trial.<ref group="note">Cause he lacks any moral conviction except the accumulation of power.</ref> Trump wasn't even grateful for McConnell's vote.<ref>Caroline Kelly and Brian Rokus,[https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/02/16/politics/trump-mcconnell/index.html Trump rips McConnell in lengthy statement after being acquitted in impeachment trial], CNN 16 Feb. 2021</ref>

===The recount that never ends===
Fueled by persistent conspiracy theories and a realization that Trump still owns the GOP, many Republicans have sought ways to appease Trump's ego/grift and Trump's voter base. In May 2021, after nearly all the election-related lawsuits had been settled in Biden's favor,<ref>{{wpa|Post-election lawsuits related to the 2020 United States presidential election}}</ref> the GOP-controlled Arizona Senate ordered the presposterously-named,<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/05/21/arizonas-election-audit-is-disaster-hire-my-company-audit-it/ Arizona's election audit is a disaster. Hire my company to audit it.] by Alexandra Petri (May 21, 2021 at 12:07 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> inexperienced and biased firm Cyber Ninjas to perform yet another recount of Maricopa County's ballots.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/experts-or-grifters-little-known-firm-runs-arizona-audit/2021/05/23/875a45da-bbdc-11eb-922a-c40c9774bc48_story.html Experts or 'grifters'? Little-known firm runs Arizona audit] by Nicholas Riccardi (May 23, 2021 at 8:35 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>[https://www.azmirror.com/2021/03/31/arizona-senate-hires-a-stop-the-steal-advocate-to-lead-2020-election-audit/ Arizona Senate hires a 'Stop the Steal' advocate to lead 2020 election audit] by Jeremy Duda & Jim Small (March 31, 2021) ''AZ Mirror''.</ref> Among the techniques used by Cyber Ninjas are "inspecting" paper ballots for possible bamboo fibers (thinly-veiled Sinophobia; do people not remember that China invented paper!?), looking for "kinematic artifacts" using a purple light, lax security, installing a carnival directly outside the building called "Crazy Times", and putting the ballots on a turntable while counters have to quickly mark what they see spinning before them.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/05/21/arizona-election-audit-trump-maricopa/ The mess in Maricopa: Votes are still being counted in Arizona. It won't change the winner. But it might change America.] by Dan Zak (May 21, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/05/06/great-bamboo-hunt-arizonas-bizarre-vote-examination-effort-gets-more-bizarre/ The great bamboo hunt: Arizona's bizarre vote-examination effort gets more bizarre] by Philip Bump (May 6, 2021 at 11:22 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/05/18/arizona-republicans-accidentally-created-robust-demonstration-shoddiness-their-fraud-claims/ In Arizona, Republicans accidentally created a robust demonstration of the shoddiness of their fraud claims] by Philip Bump (May 18, 2021 at 10:22 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> In the end, it turned out that Biden still won the county and that [[Irony|he won even more votes.]]<ref>Jeremy Duda, [https://www.azmirror.com/2021/09/23/arizona-audit-finds-biden-won-by-more-votes-and-no-evidence-of-fraud/ Arizona 'audit' finds Biden won (by more votes) and no evidence of fraud]. AZMirror, 23 September 2021.</ref>

Following up on the Maricopa carnival, and also in May 2021, Superior Court Judge Brian Amero of Georgia ordered that plaintiffs and their "experts" could examine copies of all the ballots of Fulton County.<ref name=gardner>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/georgia-ballot-inspection/2021/05/21/1e8ad1cc-ba61-11eb-a6b1-81296da0339b_story.html In echo of Arizona, Georgia state judge orders Fulton County to allow local voters to inspect mailed ballots cast last fall] by Amy Gardner (May 21, 2021 at 3:40 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Three separate audits had already been conducted.<ref name=gardner/><ref>Amy Gardner, [https://archive.ph/B0V1r In echo of Arizona, Georgia state judge orders Fulton County to allow local voters to inspect mailed ballots cast last fall]. Archived from ''The Washington Post,'' 21 May 2021.</ref> To note: this is one of the wonderful wastes of taxpayer money.

==Conspiracy theories/fallacious arguments/denialism==
{{cquote|Yet, the question before us is not whether there was a violent insurrection of the Capitol. On that point everyone agrees.|||Michael van der Veen, Trump's impeachment attorney in February 2021<ref>[https://www.c-span.org/video/?c4946237/user-clip-mvdv-agrees-insurrection Yet, the question before us is not whether there was a violent insurrection of the Capitol. On that point everyone agrees.] (February 14, 2021) ''C-SPAN''.</ref>}}
Some Americans even [[Cognitive dissonance|believed three contradictory ideas]] about what had transpired, that the Capitol was not stormed, that the Capital was stormed by right-wing Trump allies to keep him in power (a good thing) and 3) the Capitol was stormed by left-wing activists to smear Trump (a bad thing, i.e., antifa, [[false flag]]).<ref name=snyder>''On Freedom'' by Timothy Snyder (2024) Crown. ISBN 9780593728727.</ref>{{rp|180}}
{{cquote|Trump's big lie recalled both the [[fascist]] and [[communist]] inheritance. It was like a [[Communist glossary# Party line|communist party line]] in that people were meant to follow it despite all the [[evidence]]. They were meant to believe the manifestly contradictory in the communist tradition. But their belief practices were enabled by an underlying [[prejudice]], as in [[Nazi]] practices. Racism was a foundation of Donald Trump's big lie and coup attempt. Neither made sense without the implicit understanding that [[African American|Black people]] were [[Slavery|not really people]] and that [[Voting Rights Act|Black votes]] were [[Jim Crow laws|not really votes]].|||Timothy Snyder<ref name=snyder/>{{rp|180}}}}

===It wasn't an insurrection attempt because they "weren't smart enough"===
Senator [[Ron Johnson]] (R-WI) maintained:

{{quotebox|This didn't seem like an armed insurrection to me. When you hear the word "armed", don't you think of firearms? Here's the questions I would have liked to ask: How many firearms were confiscated? How many shots were fired?<ref name=blake2>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/02/16/ron-johnson-emerging-hoax-ification-capitol-riot/ Ron Johnson and the emerging hoax-ification of the Capitol riot] by Aaron Blake (Feb. 16, 2021 at 9:12 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>}}

and

{{quotebox|To call that an armed insurrection, it was the most pitiful armed insurrection anyone could possibly imagine.<ref name=blake2 />}}

[[Tucker Carlson]] of [[Fox News]] has downplayed the severity of the riot.<ref>[https://www.thewrap.com/tucker-carlson-thinks-everybodys-too-upset-about-trump-supporters-invading-the-capitol-video/ Tucker Carlson Thinks Everybody's Too Upset About Trump Supporters Invading the Capitol: Tucker thinks it's silly that everyone is so worked up about the attempt by a conservative mob to seize control of the U.S. government] by Phil Owen (January 19, 2021 @ 7:21 PM; Last Updated: January 19, 2021 @ 8:10 PM) ''The Wrap''.</ref>

An opinion piece by Kurt Schlicter on [[Townhall.com]] claimed that it wasn't an insurrection.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210211054941/https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2021/02/11/stop-calling-it-an-insurrection-n2584502 Stop Calling It an 'Insurrection'] by Kurt Schlicter (Posted: Feb 11, 2021 12:01 AM) ''Townhall.com'' (archived from February 11, 2021).</ref>

These claims go against the cold hard and substantial evidence of the insurrection attempt: massive photo and video evidence, hundreds of arrests at the Capitol, violent attacks on police, violent entry into the Capitol by the mob, five deaths, two suicides by police officers shortly afterwards, thefts and destruction of government property. However, their lack of intelligence was a reason the incident took place to begin with. 

Furthermore, "Guns, bombs and stun guns were seized from members of the mob, while other rioters used wrenches, clubs and flagpoles as weapons. An officer has said that police 'had been seizing guns all day.'"<ref name=blake2/><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2021/01/14/dc-police-capitol-riot/ We got to hold this door': How battered D.C. police made a stand against the Capitol mob] by Peter Hermann (January 14, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

===It was staged===
{{see also|Denialism}}
Yes, just over one month after the insurrection, conspiracy nuts already began making this claim. Perhaps the most notable proponent of this absurd notion would be Mike Shirkey, the Republican former Michigan State Senate Majority Leader.<ref>Jaclyn Diaz, [https://www.npr.org/2021/02/10/966207859/michigans-top-republican-calls-u-s-capitol-attack-a-hoax Michigan's Top Republican Falsely Calls U.S. Capitol Attack A 'Hoax'], NPR 10 Feb 2021</ref> His evidence was that there wasn't enough security involved. He also accused then-US Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) of [[RINO|being complicit in it]], suggesting that he might have had something to do with the low level of security.

While there is a grain of truth in that many of the Capitol police officers either just stood by or were even complicit in the riots (which led to the dismissal of several officers and the suspension and pending investigation of many more),<ref>Gino Spocchia, [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/capitol-riot-police-dismissed-b1804750.html Six police officers dismissed over Capitol riot], The Independent 19 Feb 2021</ref> to use this as evidence that the riot was staged would be a fallacy. In reality, the poor response was largely due to just poor planning, with the police preparing for a smaller crowd and for stabbings and fistfights rather than the wide variety of weapons that the rioters ''actually'' brought with them, despite the rather transparent warning signs from alt-tech social media sites like Parler, already indicating a much more credible threat.<ref>Anna North, [https://www.vox.com/22224765/capitol-riot-dc-police-officers Police bias explains the Capitol riot], Vox 12 Jan. 2021</ref> Additionally, initial requests to send the National Guard, which would have been better equipped to handle the situation, were denied by the federal government (specifically the Department of Defense).<ref>Laura Wainman, [https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/national-guard-assistance-requests-denied-capitol-riots/65-e3ad38e5-f574-49d2-bfee-d3f504d7e53f Gov. Hogan: Leaders of Congress 'pleaded' with Maryland to send aid to the Capitol], WUSA9 7 Jan. 2021</ref> So while there is some evidence that some parts of the federal government may have been complicit or at least looking the other way, to truly believe the riots were staged, you'd have to believe all the rioters were participants, when there is no real evidence that they are actors and many have ties to the far right or the Republican Party going back years. Also, there's no real motive provided for why they would stage it; if it was to make Trump or conservatives look bad, that wouldn't make sense since the people with evidence of complicities or looking the other way are in the Trump administration or otherwise overwhelmingly conservative.

{{Anchor|Antifa}}

===But, but, antifadidit!===
{{see also|Didit fallacy}}
To the surprise of no one, Republican allies of President Trump wasted no time propagating the absurd [[conspiracy theory]] that the militant far-left movement [[Antifa]] was responsible for provoking the mob that attacked the Capitol. 

[[Arizona]] Rep. [[Paul Gosar]] promoted the conspiracy theory on Twitter on January 6:

{{quotebox|This has all the hallmarks of Antifa provocation.<ref>{{a|https://twitter.com/DrPaulGosar/status/1346940816514813953|Paul Gosar}}, Twitter, 6 January 2021.</ref>}}

On January 7, Rep. [[Mo Brooks]] (R-[[Alabama]]) let loose a stream of Twitter nonsense starting with the following:

{{quotebox|Please, don't be like #FakeNewsMedia, don't rush to judgment on assault on Capitol. Wait for investigation. All may not be (and likely is not) what appears. Evidence growing that fascist ANTIFA orchestrated Capitol attack with clever mob control tactics.<ref>{{a|https://twitter.com/RepMoBrooks/status/1347171347043115008|Mo Brooks spews forth Antifa conspiracy theories}}, Twitter, 7 January 2021.</ref>}}

Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-[[Florida]]) went even further, citing on the House floor a now-recanted article from ''[[The Washington Times]]'' that made an unsubstantiated claim about a facial recognition firm identifying Antifa supporters among the rioters who stormed the Capitol.<ref>Rowan Scarborough, [https://archive.ph/qQ8An Facial recognition firm claims Antifa infiltrated Trump protesters who stormed Capitol]. Archived from the original at The Washington Times, 7 January 2021.</ref>

The lie was amplified by the usual crowd of [[webshite]]s, including [[Conservapedia]]<ref>[https://conservapedia.com/Left-wing_violence_in_the_Trump_era_(2021) Left-wing violence in the Trump era (2021)], Conservapedia.</ref> and [[NaturalNews]].<ref>[https://www.naturalnews.com/2021-01-08-first-extremist-capitol-siege-blm-antifa-activist.html First extremist in Capitol building siege is identified as BLM/Antifa activist: "We gotta f***ing rip Trump right outta that office!"] NaturalNews, 8 January 2021.</ref> Conservative radio blowhard Mark Levin told his listeners, "None of you had anything to do with it." Greg Kelly told listeners on Newsmax, "These people don't look like Trump supporters." On [[Fox News]], [[Laura Ingraham]] [[Stopped clock|called out]] unspecified "reports" of Antifa involvement in the riots. Fox News hosts [[Tucker Carlson]] and Brit Hume also spread the conspiracy theory.<ref>David Folkenflik and Tom Dreisbach, [https://text.npr.org/955694096 After Deadly Capitol Riot, Fox News Stays Silent On Stars' Incendiary Rhetoric] NPR, 13 January 2021.</ref><ref>{{a|https://twitter.com/brithume/status/1346998652498309121|Brit Hume}} on Twitter, 6 January 2021: "Do not be surprised if we learn in the days ahead that the Trump rioters were infiltrated by leftist extremists. Note: this is not to excuse any of them."</ref> MyPillow manufacturer Mike Lindell stated on Newsmax that "there were probably some undercover Antifa people that dressed as Trump people." Media conglomerate [[Sinclair Broadcast Group]], which owns hundreds of television stations across the country, sent its affiliates a news report by James Rosen suggesting without evidence that the riot was caused by "far-left infiltrators."<ref>Jeremy Barr, [https://archive.ph/SspkH Not all Trump supporters': Conservative media tries to shift blame, cast doubt on identity of Capitol invaders]. Archived from the original at The Washington Post, 7 January 2021.</ref>

All of this is [[bullshit]]. It was bullshit at first blush, and as the years have worn on even more evidence that it was bullshit has continued to present itself.<ref>Ryan J. Reilly (December 22, 2023). [https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/antifa-january-6-capitol-riot-conspiracy-theory-social-media-rcna125369 "Jan. 6 rioters the far right claimed were antifa keep getting unmasked as Trump supporters"]. ''NBC News''.</ref> The firm cited by ''The Washington Times'' has told news outlets that the story is false. The FBI has identified no Antifa presence in the crowd, and many of those identified and later arrested are all [[Neo-Nazi]]s, QAnon freaks, [[Proud Boys]], and members of other right-wing [[extremist]] groups.<ref>Holmes Lybrand and Tara Subramaniam, [https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/07/politics/capitol-antifa-infiltration-fact-check/index.html Fact checking Republicans' unsubstantiated claims that Antifa infiltrated Capitol riot]. CNN, 8 January 2021.</ref> Hell, there were even actual GOP legislators, including the aforementioned Derrick Evans and Rick Saccone, who were in the crowd.

According to ''[[The Washington Post]]'''s Fact Checker, there is no evidence that Antifa was behind the riot.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/09/we-looked-antifa-capitol-we-couldnt-find-any/ We looked for antifa at the Capitol — we couldn't find any] by Adriana Usero (Jan. 9, 2021 at 12:00 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

One good thing to come out of this claim is that it led to the arrest of Brandon Straka, of #WalkAway fame. Straka wrote a Twitter post in which he admitted his participation in the coup to prove that "It was not Antifa at the Capitol" and that he wasn't ashamed of his crimes.<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/gay-maga-influencer-brandon-straka-arrested-connection-capitol-assault-n1255769 MAGA influencer Brandon Straka arrested in connection with Capitol assault]</ref>

====But the tattoo!====
One common piece of "evidence" used to paint the crowd as Antifa involves a photograph of a man in a yellow sweatshirt with a tattoo on his left hand. Due to the quality of the image, some viral tweets misinterpreted the tattoo to be a stylized hammer and sickle, thereby proving there were leftists in the crowd. However, the tattoo is actually that of the "Outsider's Mark" from the video game ''{{wpl|Dishonored}}'', and not a Communist symbol.<ref>Brianna Reeves, [https://screenrant.com/us-capitol-tattoo-dishonored-mark-outsider-arkane-developer/ "Dishonored Devs Respond To Outsider Tattoo Spotted At US Capitol Riot."] ''ScreenRant'', 10 January 2021</ref>

====John Sullivan====
In the days after the riot, conservatives on social media began claiming that a "known Antifa member" named {{wpl|John Earle Sullivan|John Sullivan}} had been a member of the mob.<ref>[https://archive.ph/jCfvP Archived Facebook post]</ref><ref>[https://www.nypost.com/2021/01/15/who-is-john-sullivan-accused-provocateur-charged-in-capitol-riot/amp/ Who is John Sullivan, accused provocateur charged in Capitol riot?] by Lia Eustachewich. ''New York Post''. 15 January 2021.</ref> While Sullivan, a political activist and photojournalist, was indeed involved in the riot,<ref group=note>Specifically, he shouted encouragement and egged on members of the mob in order to sell the footage to news networks</ref> there is no evidence that he is associated with Antifa.<ref>[https://edition.cnn.com/2021/01/15/politics/giuliani-unfounded-antifa-claim-invs/index.html Giuliani uses unfounded 'Antifa' argument to defend Trump] by Curt Devine and others. ''CNN''. 15 January 2021.</ref> Crucially, BLM members told the ''Washington Post'' that they suspected Sullivan of association with the Proud Boys, who were involved in the riot.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/01/16/sullivan-video-arrested/ Man who shot video of fatal Capitol shooting is arrested, remains focus of political storm]. ''The Washington Post''. 16 January 2021.</ref> [[PolitiFact]] rates the claim as "mostly false".<ref>[https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2021/jan/09/facebook-posts/facebook-posts-wrongly-claim-left-wing-activist-an/ Facebook posts wrongly claim left-wing activist, antifa 'incited' US Capitol mob] by Bill McCarthy. ''PolitiFact''. 8 January 2021.</ref>

===QAnon Shaman===
[[File:Jake Angeli (Qanon Shamon), seen holding a Qanon sign (cropped).jpg|right|200px|thumb|Moo!]]
{{main|Q Shaman}}
Jacob A. Chansley, aka "QAnon Shaman", aka Jake Angeli, is a far-right conspiracy nut from Phoenix, [[Fun:Arizona|Arizona]], who was at both the Capitol riot ''and'' at a BLM rally a few months prior. However, he was also present at many far-right rallies before.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-factcheck-protester-capitol-antifa-qa/fact-check-man-with-painted-face-wearing-fur-and-horns-rallied-for-trump-and-qanon-not-antifa-or-blm-idUSKBN29C0BP Fact check: Man with painted face wearing fur and horns rallied for Trump and QAnon, not Antifa or BLM]. Reuters, 6 January 2021.</ref> Contrary to what many of his fellow alt-righters like to claim, there is no reason to believe he was at the BLM rally as anything other than a counter-protestor; indeed, he was really upset when he was called a member of Antifa.<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/q-shaman-stormed-capitol-upset-192631226.html The 'Q Shaman' who stormed the Capitol is upset Trump supporters are claiming he's 'Antifa' in disguise] Yahoo! News, 11 January 2021.</ref> Angeli's Lawyer, Al Watkins, said that Chansley was just accepting President Trump's invitation, and asked Trump to pardon him for his actions on January 6, 2021.<ref>Ashley Cole, [https://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/al-watkins-representing-jake-angeli-capitol-riot/63-e0b65042-b133-464a-a3a3-d32a0a0cd0af St. Louis lawyer representing Capitol rioter seen in viral photos says Trump should pardon him]. fox61.com, 14 January 2021.</ref>

===But Trump wasn't responsible!===
During the impeachment debate, Rep. Brian Mast (R-Florida) floated the theory that the rioters weren't acting on Trump's behalf or request. This is fallacious however because several of the rioters, including QAnon Shaman, have said that they went to the Capitol on Trump's instigation.<ref name=blake>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/01/15/worst-defenses-trump-capitol-riot/ The worst defenses of Trump on the Capitol riot] by Aaron Blake (Jan. 15, 2021 at 9:53 a.m. PST) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Also, in announcing the event, Trump had tweeted, "Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!"<ref>[https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-12/-no-regrets-a-capitol-rioter-tells-his-story-from-inside 'No Regrets': A Capitol Rioter Tells His Story From Inside] by William Turton (January 12, 2021, 3:00 AM PST) ''Bloomberg''.</ref><ref>[https://www.thetrumparchive.com/?searchbox=%22Big+protest+in+D.C.+on+January+6th.+Be+there%2C+will+be+wild%21%22 Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud 'more than sufficient' to swing victory to Trump https://t.co/D8KrMHnFdK. A great report by Peter. Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!] (Dec 19th 2020 - 1:42:42 AM EST) ''Trump Twitter Archive''.</ref>

Another argument is that Trump didn't incite the riot from his speech that day because there was preplanning by the rioters. Donald Trump Jr., Representative Scott Perry (R-Pa.), Representative Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), and conservative journalist David Martosko have floated this idea. This amounts to a [[strawman]] argument because no one has claimed that Trump incited the riot solely based on his speech that shortly preceded it, but rather that it was the totality of Trump's actions and speech up to and including that day, which included support for violence by his admirers.<ref name=blake/><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/05/28/trump-retweets-video-saying-only-good-democrat-is-dead-democrat/ The only good Democrat is a dead Democrat.' 'When the looting starts, the shooting starts.' Twice in 25 hours, Trump tweets conspicuous allusions to violence.] by Aaron Blake (May 29, 2020 at 7:10 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

Trump's longtime enabler, [[Mitch McConnell]],<ref>[https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2020/04/20/how-mitch-mcconnell-became-trumps-enabler-in-chief How Mitch McConnell Became Trump's Enabler-in-Chief The Senate Majority Leader's refusal to rein in the President is looking riskier than ever.] by Jane Mayer (April 12, 2020) ''The New Yorker''.</ref> is not buying this steaming pile of bullshit. He threw Trump under the bus on this one, and has even said before the Senate, "The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people."<ref>[https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/19/trump-provoked-capitol-riot-mitch-mcconnell-says.html Trump provoked deadly Capitol riot, Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell says] by Kevin Breuninger (Published Tue, Jan 19 202112:17 PM ESTUpdated Tue, Jan 19 20211:31 PM EST) ''CNBC''.</ref> He later, however, voted to acquit the former President.

And, of course, there was pathetic chatter that Trump specifically intended a peaceful demonstration and discouraged his followers taking violent actions – solely on the grounds that, in the middle of an entire speech of inflammatory rhetoric, he once mentioned "peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard."<ref name=speech/>

====It was Nancy Pelosi!====
In the first 2024 presidential debate, Donald Trump made the wild claim that the riot was the fault of [[Nancy Pelosi]], who supposedly turned down Trump's offer to send in 10,000 soldiers to the Capitol. Needless to say, this claim is false; Nancy Pelosi does not have the ability to direct the national guard, and she was indeed calling for assistance when the Capitol was under attack.<ref>[https://www.ajc.com/politics/fact-check-trumps-claim-pelosi-turned-down-his-offer-to-send-national-guard-members-on-jan-6-2021/3MYPGH3E7BAZPFG2UQO7MJUFCI/ FACT CHECK: Trump’s claim Pelosi turned down his offer to send National Guard members on Jan. 6, 2021], ''AJC Politics'' 27 June 2024</ref>

===Someone got tased in the balls!===
It was widely circulated that during the protest, one man died of a heart attack after tasing himself in the balls. The man died of a heart attack but did not taser himself.<ref name=dapcevich/>

===Flag torn down===
Another story that was widely spread around were that protesters tore down a US flag and replaced it with a Trump flag. According to Snopes, the evidence for this one is inconclusive.<ref>[https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-flag-american-flag-capitol/ Rumor Alert: Was a Trump Flag Raised To Replace American Flag at US Capitol? The video is real, but it's difficult to tell exactly what it shows.] by Dan Evon (6 January 2021) ''Snopes''.</ref>

===They were just tourists or petitioners===
[[File:Seditious rioter carries Christian Flag.jpg|thumb|right|425px|It shouldn't need to be said, but tourists don't ransack the US Senate chamber.]]
{{cquote|At first it didn't dawn on me, but later I realized that if every person like me, who wasn't violent, was removed from that crowd, the ones who were violent may have lost the nerve to do what they did.|||Anna Morgan-Lloyd, who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges stemming from the riot<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/legal-issues/captiol-riot-first-sentence/2021/06/23/8b2825d8-d39c-11eb-ae54-515e2f63d37d_story.html In sentencing regretful Capitol protester, federal judge rebukes Republicans] by Spencer S. Hsu & Rachel Weiner (June 23, 2021 at 1:05 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>}}
A grandmother from Indiana was the first person sentenced in the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.
Representative Andrew S. Clyde (R-GA) compared the January 6 event to a "normal tourist visit", this was despite the fact that there is a photo of Clyde barricading a door to keep the 'tourists' out on January 6.<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/05/18/clyde-tourist-capitol-riot-photos/ A GOP congressman compared Capitol rioters to tourists. Photos show him barricading a door.] by Brittany Shammas (May 18, 2021 at 2:49 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post'''.</ref>

[[Vladimir Putin]] similarly offered the opinion, "These are not looters or thieves, these people came with political requests."<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/putin-capitol-riot-biden-summit/2021/06/04/1521aac8-c2ec-11eb-89a4-b7ae22aa193e_story.html Putin questions U.S. prosecution of Capitol rioters, saying mob carried only 'political requests'] by Isabelle Khurshudyan (June 4, 2021 at 10:58 a.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Never mind that there were many charges of property destruction and theft, and for assaulting police officers. If the "petitioners" had done that shit at the Kremlin, they'd surely be dead or at best in a [[gulag]]. Keep in mind that actual peaceful protesters who opposed the invasion of [[Ukraine]] were either arrested or violently beaten by [[Russia|Russian police]].


====Ashli Babbitt was a martyr====
Related to this narrative is the idea that insurrectionist and QAnon nutter Ashli Babbitt was somehow a [[martyr]] because she was shot and killed by security while entering a broken window of the Capitol.<ref name=blake4/> This has been perpetrated by Senator Ron Johnson [[concern trolling]], Congressman Paul Gosar and Tucker Carlson [[JAQing off]].<ref name=blake4/> Supporters of her case have actually had the gall to draw [[false equivalence|false equivalencies]] with the cases which have inspired the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.<ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ashli-babbitt-killed-capitol-riot-family-lawsuit/ Family of Ashli Babbitt, woman shot by officer during Capitol riot, says it was murder and plans to sue for wrongful death] (May 5, 2021 / 6:50 AM) ''CBS News''.</ref> Ex-President Trump fed into this fallacious narrative by claiming that the officer was "getting away with murder."<ref name=jouvenal>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/ashli-babbitt-officer-internal-probe-cleared/2021/08/23/42cb8754-041a-11ec-8c3f-3526f81b233b_story.html Internal probe clears Capitol Police officer in shooting of Ashli Babbitt] by Justin Jouvenal (August 23, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>

An internal investigation by the Capitol police cleared the officer who shot Babbitt of any wrongdoing.<ref name=jouvenal/> The US Justice Department also stated that they would not be filing any charges against the officer.<ref name=jouvenal/>

===The FBI did it===
Tucker Carlson further claimed on Fox News that the FBI organized the January 6 riot because federal indictments of Oath Keepers included unindicted co-conspirators:
{{quotebox|Strangely, some of the key people who participated on Jan. 6 have not been charged. Look at the document. The government calls those people unindicted co-conspirators. What does that mean? Well, it means that in potentially every single case, they were FBI operatives.<ref name=blake3>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/06/16/tucker-carlsons-tinfoil-hat-theory-blaming-fbi-jan-6/ Tucker Carlson's wild, baseless theory blaming the FBI for organizing the Jan. 6 Capitol riot] by Aaron Blake (June 16, 2021 at 1:36 p.m. PDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>}}
This argument was also parroted by Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz.<ref name=blake3/>

This line of bullshit by Carlson shows his [[willful ignorance]] of the law – and more shockingly by two lawmakers, Greene and Gaetz. The existence of an unindicted co-conspirator is actually conclusive evidence that the unnamed person is ''not'' an FBI agent working undercover. According to Professor Lisa Kern Griffin of Duke University Law School, "An unindicted co-conspirator has committed the crime of conspiracy, and investigative agents doing their jobs undercover are not committing crimes."<ref name=blake3/>

===The police let them in===
{{main|2021_U.S._coup_attempt#Underwhelming_police_response}}
There have been extremely viral videos on Twitter that purport that the Capitol police cooperated with rioters and let them in, which had the [[MSNBC]] host [[Joe Scarborough]] deride the police for "politely" "opening "the fucking door for them."<ref>Cannon, M. (January 7, 2021). "[https://www.newsweek.com/joe-scarborough-f-bomb-live-trump-rant-capitol-riots-1559678 Joe Scarborough Drops F-Bomb Live on Air in Trump Rant Over Capitol Riots]". ''Newsweek''. Accessed July 19, 2021.</ref> Indeed, unlike during the widespread BLM protests, the police response was practically a skeleton crew. Due to this, however, the police couldn't hold out against the riot and had to fall back and remove the barricades, thus leaving thousands of private investigative "journalists" on Twitter with a misleading impression that the police were simply letting rioters in. The reality that the police were overwhelmed was supported by the journalist who originally shared the video. This is a standard military practice when outmatched in battle, tactical withdrawal.<ref>{{wpa|Withdrawal (military)#Tactical withdrawal}}</ref> There are a lot of questions on the police response, exactly why an insurrection incited by the president was met with a disorganized skeleton crew compared to the less dangerous BLM riots and protests, why thirty-five officers are being investigated, and why six police were suspended after the riot; but the idea that the police let them in is not supported. Even some the rioters mistakenly thought they were being let in.<ref>"[https://edition.cnn.com/2022/04/06/politics/magical-acquitted-us-capitol-riot/index.html Man who said January 6 was ‘magical’ acquitted in US Capitol riot case]". ''CNN''. Accessed 15 August, 2023.</ref>

==Sedition caucus==
After the rioters were evicted and the security of the Capitol was restored, the House and the Senate reconvened. Eight Republican senators and 139 Republican House members were still in support of objections to certifying the election, thus tacitly supporting the insurrection.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/01/07/us/elections/electoral-college-biden-objectors.html The 147 Republicans Who Voted to Overturn Election Results] by Karen Yourish et al. (Updated January 7, 2021) ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>{{wpa|Sedition Caucus}}</ref>

==Setting the stage for 2022 and 2024 elections==
If a situation like this were to have happened in [[2000 U.S. presidential election|2000]], [[2008 U.S. presidential election|2008]], or even [[2016 U.S. presidential election|2016]], such violence would have been seen as unimaginable, and would have destroyed the reputation of whatever party or political movement that instigated it for years if not decades. However, as the [[2022 midterm elections|2022 midterms]] somewhat indicated, such hubris wouldn't matter to most people anymore.

As the months have passed since the January 6 insurrection attempt, Republicans by-and-large have increasingly tried to make it go away, either by trying to recharacterize it with [[historical revisionism]],{{efn|It used to be that people had the decency to wait a few years before trying the revisionist history ploy.}} or by attempting to stymie any chance of an unbiased investigation into the events leading up to and during January 6. The attempt to stymie a non-partisan investigation did not succeed due to Speaker of the House [[Nancy Pelosi]] creating a bipartisan commission even without House Republican Leader [[Kevin McCarthy]]'s assistance.<ref>{{wpa|January 6 commission}}</ref> The Republican attempts to block a nonpartisan Congressional investigation, as well as state-level Republicans that criminalize teaching about systemic [[racism]] represents what historian Timothy Snyder calls "memory laws", laws that intended to guide the public interpretation of the past.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/29/magazine/memory-laws.html The War on History Is a War on Democracy: A scholar of totalitarianism argues that new laws restricting the discussion of race in American schools have dire precedents in Europe.] by Timothy Snyder (June 29, 2021, 5:00 a.m. ET) ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref name=milbank1>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/07/15/american-democracy-survived-its-reichstag-fire-jan-6-threat-has-not-subsided/ American democracy survived its Reichstag fire on Jan. 6. But the threat has not subsided.] by Dana Milbank (July 15, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> These actions are akin to [[George Orwell]]'s concept of the "[[memory hole]]" in the book ''Nineteen Eighty-Four'' that is used to facilitate [[propaganda]].

Snyder, an expert on [[tyranny]],{{efn|Specifically on the degeneration of democratic governments into tyrannical ones.}} has said that "a failed coup is practice for a successful coup", and he is not alone in that thinking.<ref name=milbank1/> Snyder has said of the Republican Party, "One of our two political parties is currently on an undemocratic track. That's just the way it is, I think, for the 2022 and 2024 cycles."<ref name=milbank1/> A survey of 327 political scientists found that 55% thought that at least some local officials will refuse to certify the 2024 election results; 46% thought that at least one state legislature would pick electors contrary to the popular vote; and 39% thought that Congress would refuse to certify the election.<ref name=milbank1/>

Many reporters are aware that American democracy is in peril, but American media outlets are not making this a focal point of coverage.<ref name=sullivan>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2022/01/03/media-democracy-jan6-atlantic-npr/ If American democracy is going to survive, the media must make this crucial shift: Journalists stepped it up in 2021, but now we need a concerted effort] by Margaret Sullivan (January 3, 2022) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> Conspiracy theorists harass election officials, death threats against elected officials have become more common, state-level GOP officials have made it more difficult to vote and easier to overturn legitimate voting results,<ref name=sullivan/><ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/01/opinion/january-6-attack-committee.html Every Day Is Jan. 6 Now] (Jan. 1, 2022) ''The New York Times''.</ref><ref>[https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/01/january-6-insurrection-trump-coup-2024-election/620843/ Trump's Next Coup Has Already Begun: January 6 was practice. Donald Trump's GOP is much better positioned to subvert the next election.] by Barton Gellman (December 6, 2021) ''The Atlantic''.</ref> and it seems less likely that the GOP will ever accept election defeat again.<ref>[https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-united-states-elections-electoral-college-election-2020-809215812f4bc6e5907573ba98247c0c 'Slow-motion insurrection': How GOP seizes election power] by Nicholas Riccardi (December 29, 2021) ''AP''.</ref> Trump's [[big lie]] of refusing to accept that his defeat in 2020 was legitimate continues to have resonance among his followers.<ref>[https://www.npr.org/2021/12/23/1065277246/trump-big-lie-jan-6-election The clear and present danger of Trump's enduring 'Big Lie'] by Melissa Block (December 23, 20215:00 AM ET) ''NPR''.</ref> Unsurprisingly, after Trump's 2024 reelection, among his first executive orders was issuing over 1500 pardons to the insurrectionists, showing that no lesson was learnt.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/20/trump-executive-orders-jan-6-pardons Trump issues 1,500 ‘unconditional’ pardons over January 6 Capitol attack] The Guardian. 21 January, 2025</ref>

==Historical precedents and similar cases==
People with a cursory knowledge of American history are likely to think that the 2021 coup attempt was a [[black swan]], i.e., a rare and unexpected event. That is not the case however, there were several other coup attempts in US history, including the first successful coup in 1898. These occurred most notably during and after [[Reconstruction]] when whites in [[The South]] eventually wrested control of local and state governments from African Americans.
*New Orleans, [[Louisiana]]: the {{wpl|Battle of Liberty Place}} (1874), in which whites attempted to overthrow the Republican state government
*Wilmington, [[North Carolina]] (1898): the {{wpl|Wilmington massacre||,}} when ~2000 armed white Democrats violently overthrew the government of African American Republicans.<ref>''How the South Won the Civil War: Oligarchy, Democracy and the Continuing Fight for the Soul of America'' by Heather Cox Richardson (2022) Oxford University Press. ISBN 019758179X.</ref>{{rp|129-130}}
*[[Hawaii]]: the overthrow of the [[Kingdom of Hawaiʻi]] (1893), led by white [[sugar]] barons who wished to have duty free importation of sugar into the US by Hawaii being declared a territory
*The {{wpl|Business Plot}} of 1933, which discussed overthrowing [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]]'s nascent presidency (foiled by [[Smedley Butler]])

===1934 attempted assault against the French parliament by the Leagues===
It turns out that far-righters invading a legislative seat isn't a novelty.<ref>[https://tocqueville21.com/le-club/trump-fascism-and-french-history/ Trump, Fascism, and French History]</ref>

Although the [[Great Depression]] came late in [[France]], when it came, it came ''hard''. Political instability, and reports of political and financial scandals, such as the Marthe Hanau Affair or the Albert Oustric case (the Minister of Justice being involved in the latter) didn't help things, with the authoritarian {{wpl|far-right leagues}} (''ligues d'extrême droite'') regaining influence. The methods of these leagues involved street demonstrations, often violent, and their ideology included [[monarchism]] or authoritarian [[republic]]anism, with some younger sectors being fascist.

In this background, the discovery of Alexandre Stavisky, a [[conman]] who used his political contacts to have his trial postponed for 19 months before mysteriously dying while on the lam, only added oil on the fire. All the elements were present: Stavisky was [[Jewish]] and foreign-born while Camille Chautemps, the head of the government and seated one of Stavisky's friends, was a [[Masonic]] official. The far-right couldn't dream a more perfect [[scapegoat]].

And then the Prefect of Paris Pierre Chiappe, accused of being lax against these groups, was dismissed after a [[socialist]] government was elected, causing even more anger among these leagues, who called for a demonstration.

On February 6, 1934, several of these leagues such as the monarchist ''Action française'' ("French Action"), the authoritarian republican ''Jeunesses Patriotes'' ("Patriot Youth"), and ''Solidarité Française'' ("French Solidarity"), along with the ''Croix-de-Feu'' ("Cross of Fire"),<ref group=note>They weren't Klansmen: it was a reference to their military medals.</ref> along with veteran groups (including a communist one) angered at fighting [[World War One]] for these corrupt officials, marched in Paris, shouting "Down with the thieves, long live France!"; after the veterans' groups departed, more radical elements of the leagues attempted to march on the Bourbon Palace where the French parliament was seated. They converged on the ''Place de la Concorde'', separated from the parliament by a bridge which was heavily defended by police units. Thereafter, 16 people were killed and 2000 injured, most of them belonging to ''Action française''. Meanwhile, the ''Croix-de-feu'' limited themselves to surrounding the parliament before dispersing, leading them to be nicknamed the ''Froides-Queues'' ("Cold Tails") by the rest of the leagues; they were more mainstream right-wingers and La Rocque, their leader, didn't support the violent overthrow of the regime.

While the socialist government collapsed days after, the aftermath saw the French left-wing fearing a Fascist coup àlà March on Rome, and the communist and the socialist parties finally allied, finally ending in the 1936 Popular Front.

Meanwhile, the right-wing started to radicalize and approach the far-right, which kept regretting these riots as a missed occasion to do away with the hated parliamentarianism.

===2017 storming of the North Macedonian parliament===
On April 28, 2017 a group of Macedonian nationalists stormed the Parliament in Skopje after Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski of the VRMO party lost the election to social democrat Zoran Zaev. The VRMO party is well known for being very conservative in nature and holding anti-[[Albania]]n views.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-39738865 BBC], Retrieved on May 19, 2022.</ref> When the new coalition formed, ethnic Albanian Talat Xhaferi was made the speaker. The long standing issue of marginalization of the Albanian community in [[North Macedonia]] was the catalyst for the riot. Specifically, the conservatives opposed a law which made Albanian a co-official language with Macedonian as the national language. President Gjorge Ivanov put fuel on the fire when he expressed so-called concerns about the law as it would "disrupt national unity". Not long after, far-right nationalists stormed the Parliament building and caused major damage. Multiple injuries occurred, including the winner of the election. Eventually the police gained control of the violence. People involved were arrested for various reasons. The assault on democracy was condemned by most Western nations and the [[EU]].<ref>[https://news.yahoo.com/violence-erupts-protesters-storm-macedonia-parliament-193256498.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall Yahoo News], Retrieved on May 19, 2022.</ref> Former Speaker Trajko Veljanoski, former transport minister Mile Janakieski, former labor minister Spiro Ristovski, and the former head of the secret police, Vladimir Atanasovski, were arrested for "[[Terrorism|terrorist]] endangerment of constitutional order".<ref>[https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/four-former-senior-north-macedonian-officials-convicted-over-2017-storming-of-parliament/ar-AAMCV3q MSN], Retrieved on May 19, 2022.</ref>

===2019 South Korean Capitol riot===
In 2019, there was a riot in South Korea that was very similar to the US Capitol riot. On December 16, 2019, pro-{{wpl|Park Geun-hye|Park|,}} anti-communist and ultra-conservative far-right organizations in South Korea illegally entered the Capitol. They committed physical violence and terrorism against liberal politicians with the aim of blocking liberal reform.<ref>[http://www.mediatoday.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=204194 보수신문도 국회 난입 한국당 지지자들 비판] by 김용욱 [Kim Yong-wook] (2020.11.11 17:21) 미디어오늘 ''[Media Today]''. English ranslation of title: "Conservative newspapers also criticize Korean Party supporters for breaking into the National Assembly"</ref><ref>[https://www.hani.co.kr/arti/opinion/column/978069.html 의회 난입, 미국보다 빨랐던 '태극기부대'] by 손원제 [Son Won-je] (2021-01-10) 한겨레, ''The Hankyoreh''. English translation of title: "Taegeukgi Troops' faster than the United States, breaking into Congress"</ref> Unlike the United States, this is even more frightening in that politicians have actually been victims of violence. Fortunately, South Korea has not suffered irreversible damage, in part because it has some of the toughest [[gun control]] laws in the free world.

According to the Pew Research Center survey, the political conflict between liberals and conservatives in South Korea is almost the same as that of the United States. In the United States and South Korea, 90% of citizens said there was a strong conflict between those who supported different political parties.<ref>[https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2021/10/13/diversity-and-division-in-advanced-economies/ Diversity and Division in Advanced Economies: Most embrace diversity but see conflicts between partisan, racial and ethnic groups] by Laura Silver et al. (October 13, 2021) ''Pew Research Center''.</ref>

===2020 Oregon State Capitol breach===
On December 21 2020, just a couple weeks before the coup attempt, a large group of right-wingers began demonstrating outside the Oregon State Capitol to protest the controversial health measures taken against the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]. The mob began attempting to force their way into the building, at which point a Republican lawmaker opened the door to the Capitol to allow the mob into the building.<ref>[https://www.opb.org/article/2021/04/30/oregon-rep-mike-nearman-criminal-charges-state-capitol-breach/ Oregon lawmaker who opened state Capitol to far-right protesters faces criminal charges] by Conrad Wilson and Dirk Vanderhart. ''Oregon Public Radio'', 30 April 2021.</ref> The events that followed closely mirrored what would happen in 2021, with the rioters assaulting Capitol police and journalists and vandalising the building until they were cleared out.

Mike Nearman, the representative who allowed the attackers to enter the building, pleaded guilty to malfeasance in office and was expelled from the House. Notably, even other Republicans were disgusted by Nearman's crimes to the point of voting to expel him - out of the 60 people who voted on the motion to expel, the only opponent was Nearman himself.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-57443871 Oregon lawmaker ousted for allowing rioters into State Capitol], ''BBC News'', 11 June 2021.</ref>

The attack was perpetrated by the same groups who carried out Trump's coup: the Proud Boys and QAnon.<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/lawmakers-remove-state-legislator-over-oregon-capitol-breach-n1270445 Lawmakers remove state legislator over Oregon Capitol breach], ''NBC News'', 11 June 2021.</ref> Even some of the specific rioters later took part in the unrest in DC.<ref>[https://www.opb.org/article/2021/01/10/oregon-washington-protest-insurrection-david-anthony-medina-tim-davis/ At least 3 men from Oregon protest appear to have joined insurrection at U.S. Capitol] by Sergio Olmos and Conrad Wilson. ''Oregon Public Radio'', 10 January 2021.</ref>

===2022 German coup===
Mirroring both the Beer Hall Putsch in 1923 and January 6th, a far-right party known as the Patriotic Union planned a coup against the German government on December 7th, 2022. The coup would have allowed the group to install a government similar to Nazi Germany and the German Empire, with an ethnostate and a monarchy. Fortunately, all people involved were arrested before they could even put the plan into action. The group also planned on starting a civil war in the country that would allow other far-right parties to rise and take control.<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63885028 Germany arrests 25 accused of plotting coup] BBC</ref> About 5,000 police officers (1,500 of which were part of the special forces), were engaged in a high search across Germany, searching approximately 130 locations within the country to locate the perpetrators.

===2022-23 Brazilian coup attempts===
{{update section}}
[[File:STF é depredado por manifestantes.webm|thumb|Damage in the Brazilian Supreme Court building after the storming.]]In December 2022, [[Jair Bolsonaro]] supporters tried to storm the HQ of the Brazilian Federal Police.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-13 |title=Bolsonaro supporters try to storm police HQ in 'January 6-style' rampage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/dec/13/bolsonaro-supporters-try-to-storm-police-hq-in-january-6-style-rampage |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}</ref>

Shortly after [[Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva]] was sworn in as President of [[Brazil]] on January 1, 2023, Bolsonaro supporters attacked and briefly seized the primary buildings of the three branches of government in Brasília on January 8.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/global-leaders-condemn-bolsonaro-supporters-assault-brazil-govt-buildings-2023-01-08/ Global leaders condemn assault on Brazilian government buildings] (January 8, 20234:30 PM PST) ''Reuters''.</ref> Bolsonaro has been accused by his opponents (including President Lula) of inciting the coup attempt.<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pro-bolsonaro-protesters-storm-brazils-congress-capital-96298671 Pro-Bolsonaro rioters storm Brazil's top government offices] by Diane Jeantet & David Biller (January 8, 2023, 11:11 AM) ''Associated Press'' via ''ABC News''.</ref>

On the same day, Brasília's governor {{wpl|Ibaneis Rocha||,}} a notorious Bolsonaro supporter, was suspended by the Brazilian Supreme Court for 90 days alleging security flaws that allowed the invasion of government buildings.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reuters |date=2023-01-09 |title=Brazil's top court removes Brasilia governor over pro-Bolsonaro riots |language=en|work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-top-court-removes-brasilia-governor-over-pro-bolsonaro-riots-2023-01-09/ |access-date=2023-01-09}}</ref> Some police guards just left the barricades during the riot to buy soft drinks.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Policiais do DF abandonam barreira e compram água de coco enquanto manifestantes invadem STF |url=https://www.estadao.com.br/politica/policiais-do-df-abandonam-barreira-e-compram-agua-de-coco-enquanto-manifestantes-invadem-stf/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Estadão |language=pt-br}}</ref> Over a quarter of the Brazilian police force is composed of radical Bolsonarists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Poder360 |date=2021-09-02 |title=Pesquisa: 27% dos PMs apoiam "bolsonarismo radical" nas redes sociais |url=https://www.poder360.com.br/brasil/pesquisa-27-dos-pms-apoiam-bolsonarismo-radical-nas-redes-sociais/ |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=Poder360 |language=pt-br}}</ref>

Due to Brazil's history with coups, the police wasted no time in arresting the insurrectionists. Within less than 24 hours, around 1,200 people were detained in what was called by the Brazilian press and authorities a terrorist attack.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Brazil protests: Security forces detain 1,200 after Congress stormed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-latin-america-64206148 |access-date=2023-01-09 |website=BBC News |language=en}}</ref> Meanwhile, like his inspiration Trump, Bolsonaro was hiding in Florida rather than joining his supporters.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/brazils-bolsonaro-says-no-justification-attempted-terrorist-act-capital-2022-12-30/ Brazil's Bolsonaro lands in Florida, avoiding Lula handover] by Ueslei Marcelino (December 31, 202212:50 AM PST) ''Reuters''.</ref>

In November 2024, Bolsonaro, along with 36 other people, was indicted for his role in the coup attempt.<ref>[https://apnews.com/article/brazil-jair-bolsonaro-indictment-0d62fe0a7399483aee48cf3c845560ea Brazilian police indict former President Bolsonaro and aides over alleged 2022 coup attempt], Gabriela Sá Pessoa and Mauricio Saverese, ''AP News'' 21 November 2024</ref>

===2023 Paraguay Coup attempt===
In 2023, after coming out in third at the country's presidential election, the far-right {{wpl|Paraguayo Cubas}} made allegations of electoral fraud.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Welle (www.dw.com) |first=Deutsche |title=Paraguayo Cubas: "Nos robaron las elecciones" de Paraguay {{!}} DW {{!}} 02.05.2023 |url=https://www.dw.com/es/paraguayo-cubas-nos-robaron-las-elecciones-de-paraguay/a-65487615 |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=DW.COM |language=es}}</ref> This unsurprisingly led to protests across the country, with the police putting up fences around the electoral court's headquarters and firing rubber bullets at young protesters who were themselves throwing stones.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reuters |date=2023-05-02 |title=Protests in Paraguay as losing candidates call for recount |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/protests-paraguay-losing-candidates-calls-recount-2023-05-02/ |access-date=2023-05-06}}</ref> Unlike in other countries, however, the Paraguayan institutions worked remarkably well, and over 100 people were detained in the first days,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Más de 100 detenidos por protestas poselectorales en Paraguay |url=https://www.infobae.com/america/agencias/2023/05/03/mas-de-100-detenidos-por-protestas-poselectorales-en-paraguay/ |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=infobae |language=es}}</ref> including Cubas himself.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-05 |title=Paraguay far-right populist presidential candidate arrested |url=https://apnews.com/article/cubas-paraguayo-paraguay-crusade-a7e4db52d27fc14355571a0abcc0dd96 |access-date=2023-05-06 |website=AP NEWS|language=en}}</ref>

===2025 (South Korean) Seoul Western District Court riot===
{{Main|Yoon Suk Yeol#Attempted insurrection}}

==Gallery of shame==
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px>
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol Space Force (50820533308).jpg|Antifa did it, right?
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09125 (50826361168).jpg|Building the gallows
File:21.ProudBoys.USSC.WDC.6January2021 (50810687422).jpg|Proud Boys assembling near the Capitol
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol 2021 storming of the United States Capitol (50820738468).jpg|Banana Republicans assembled near the Capitol
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09238 (50826572112).jpg|List of "[[Irony|traitors]]" with a noose drawing
File:RobertKeithPacker Mugshot.jpg|The face of white "supremacy": Robert Keith Packer. He wore a "Camp Auschwitz" shirt to the Capitol.<ref>[https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/how-the-fbi-linked-newport-news-man-to-capitol-riot/291-f68a4f4a-e2ef-4777-bd61-5b486e025f13 How the FBI tracked 'Camp Auschwitz' Capitol rioter to Newport News: Robert Keith Packer was seen wearing the same 'Camp Auschwitz' shirt at a store in Hampton Roads.] by Dan Kennedy (Published: 7:50 AM EST January 14, 2021; Updated: 9:44 AM EST January 14, 2021) ''WVEC-TV''.</ref>
File:MAGA Jesus coup.jpg|[[White Jesus]] QAnon [[MAGA]]
File:Pipe bomb suspect FBI Jan 2021.png|Person suspected by the FBI of leaving live pipe bombs at DNC and RNC headquarters on the night of January 5
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09488-2 (50812780957).jpg|Florida man is [[Anti-vaccination movement|Antivaxx]]/Anti-high tech
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09400-2 (50814067593).jpg|Trump-as-{{wpl|Calvin and Hobbes|Calvin}} pissing on Biden/Harris
File:Inaugural preparation, January 16th Bus Shelter (50842934328).jpg|Wanted for assault on federal officers
</gallery>

==Symbols of shame==
A variety of far-right symbols were found at the Capitol riot,<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/far-right-symbols-capitol-riot/ Identifying far-right symbols that appeared at the U.S. Capitol riot] (Updated Jan. 15 at 2:56 p.m.) ''The Washington Post''.</ref> including appropriated "American, Confederate, Germanic, Celtic, Greek, and [[Roman]] iconography."<ref name=mcdaniel>[https://talesoftimesforgotten.com/2021/01/08/heres-what-the-costumes-and-flags-on-display-at-the-pro-trump-insurrection-mean/ Here's What the Costumes and Flags on Display at the Pro-Trump Insurrection Mean] by Spencer Alexander McDaniel (January 8, 2021) ''Tales of Times Forgotten''.</ref>

{{collist|2|
*Proud Boys' (PB) logo with "Stand Back Stand By" (taken from a Trump speech)
*Betsy Ross' flag (co-opted by white supremacists)<ref name=quito/>
*The co-opted [[Alt-right glossary#OK|"OK" hand sign]]
*"1776" clothing, referring to the [[American Revolution]], but co-opted by Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio's shop of the same name.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20210116180556/https://1776.shop/?s=1776 Search: 1776] ''1776.shop'' (archived from January 16, 2021).</ref>
*Three Percenter symbols that include the Roman numeral "III"
*QAnon symbols, typically represented as "Q"
*Oath Keepers
*Confederate flags
*America First or "AF", the name of [[Nick Fuentes]]' podcast
*[[Pepe the Frog]]
*[[Alt-right glossary#Kekistan|Kekistan flag]]
*A hangman's noose, referencing the [[Alt-right glossary#Day of the Rope|"Day of the Rope"]]
*[[Norse mythology]], exemplified by the {{wpl|Mjöllnir}} and {{wpl|valknut}} of the Q Shaman. The Q Shaman's fur and horns were also meant to refer to (erroneous) popular conception of Germanic warriors.<ref name=mcdaniel/>
**Aaron Mostofsky, son of a judge on the Brooklyn Supreme Court, also wore furs and bore wooden staff, meant to refer to Germanic warriors.<ref name=mcdaniel/> The [[irony]] must have been lost on Mostofsky, who is ethnically Jewish. Mostofsky was also seen calmly sitting inside the Capitol while a man with a Confederate flag, who could easily have been a [[Ku Klux Klan|Klansman]], strode past him.<ref name=mcdaniel/>
*[[Blue Lives Matter|The "thin blue line" flag]]:<ref name=quito>[https://qz.com/1953366/decoding-the-pro-trump-insurrectionist-flags-and-banners/ Decoding the flags and banners seen at the Capitol Hill insurrection] Anne Quito & Amanda Shendruk (January 7, 2021) ''Quartz''.</ref> Police officer Michael Fanone was beaten with this flag and nearly died as it flew overhead.<ref>[https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/it-was-brutal-medieval-style-combat-dc-police-officers-describe-defending-us-capitol/2542536/ 'It Was Brutal, Medieval-Style Combat': DC Police Officers Describe Defending US Capitol] by Jackie Bensen (Published January 14, 2021 • Updated on January 16, 2021 at 11:48 am) ''NBC Washington''.</ref><ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/08/07/the-deplorable-treatment-of-michael-fanone-and-the-heroes-of-jan-6/ The deplorable treatment of Michael Fanone and the heroes of Jan. 6] by Jonathan Capehart (August 7, 2021) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
*Flags from a variety of countries and two ex-countries ([[Canada]], [[Cuba]], [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]],{{efn|Some cracker didn't know the difference between [[Fun:Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] and [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]]!}} [[India]], [[Israel]], [[South Korea]], South Vietnam, [[Tibet]]) and states<ref name=quito/><ref>[https://www.phayul.com/2021/01/08/45080/ Tibetan flag among Capitol hill rioters "concerning", says NA Representative]</ref>
*Trump campaign flag<ref name=quito/>
*US Marine Corps flag<ref name=quito/>
*Culpeper Minutemen flag (a variant of the Gadsden flag)<ref name=quito/>
*{{wpl|Ichthys||,}} the Christian fish symbol<ref name=quito/>
*South Carolina Navy ensign, used during the Revolutionary and Civil wars<ref name=quito/>
*[[Chickenhawk|Trump]] portrayed as {{wpl|John Rambo|Rambo}}<ref name=quito/>
*"Unleash the Kraken" from Trump lawyer Sidney Powell's fevered gibberish
*"Gays for Trump"<ref name=quito/>
*The state flag of the [[Mohammad Reza Pahlavi|Pahlavi]] Dynasty (carried by Iranian-Americans)<ref name=mcdaniel/>
*[[VDARE]]
*"[[Jesus]] Saves" banner (Because a being that supports tolerance, peace, and understanding would totally support terrorism)<ref name=michetti>[https://www.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.dcd.227640/gov.uscourts.dcd.227640.1.1_3.pdf Statement of Facts] Complaint w/Arrest Warrant against Richard Michetti. Case 1:21-mj-00238-GMH Document 1-1 (2/17/2021). See photo at the end.</ref>
*[[American Revolution]]ary War uniform replica<ref name=michetti/>
*[[Antisemitic]] material referencing the [[Holocaust]], including a "Camp Auschwitz" tee-shirt<ref name=pharos>[https://pharos.vassarspaces.net/2021/01/14/capitol-terrorists-take-inspiration-from-ancient-world/ Capitol Terrorists Take Inspiration from Ancient World] (January 14, 2021) ''Pharos''.</ref><ref>[https://www.npr.org/2022/09/16/1123424585/jan-6-rioter-camp-auschwitz-sweatshirt-sentenced-jail The Jan. 6 rioter who wore a 'Camp Auschwitz' sweatshirt gets 75 days in jail] (September 16, 20229:56 AM ET) ''Associated Press'' via ''NPR''.</ref>
*References to [[classical antiquity]]:<ref name=pharos/>
**A man dressed as "Captain Moroni, a military commander who supposedly lived in the first century BCE" who existed only in [[Mormon]] [[mythology]].<ref name=mcdaniel/> Presumably, the deluded dude is a [[Alt-right glossary#DezNat|DezNat]].
**Online preparations for the January 6 event made reference to [[Julius Caesar]]'s successful coup in January 49 BCE.<ref name=mcdaniel/><ref>{{wpa|Julius Caesar}}</ref><ref>[https://www.reddit.com/r/ParlerWatch/comments/kgwrwl/destroy_the_republic_cuz_reasons/ DESTROY THE REPUBLIC cuz reasons] r/ParlerWatch (January 2020) ''Reddit''.</ref>
**One of the rioters held a sign with "Trump's face Photoshopped over an image of the character Maximus from the 2000 historical drama film ''Gladiator'' with the words: 'THE DIE IS CAST! CROSS THE RUBICON, PRESIDENT TRUMP!!!'"<ref name=mcdaniel/>
**A man dressed as a Spartan warrior based on the film ''300'',<ref name=mcdaniel/> implying that the riot would be just like "King Leonidas of Sparta and a force of 300 men fight the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 B.C."<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 300] ''IMDb''.</ref>
**The phrase "μολὼν λαβέ" ([[Alt-right glossary#molon labe|''molon labe'']]) was also seen on a black flag. The phrase was supposedly given by "King Leonidas I of Sparta when the Achaemenid Persian shah Xerxes I ordered him and his army to hand over their weapons before the Battle of Thermopylai in 480 BCE. The phrase literally means 'Having come, take' and refers to the weapons that Xerxes reportedly asked Leonidas to hand over."<ref name=mcdaniel/> The phrase was not recorded contemporaneously but rather 500 years after the fact,<ref name=mcdaniel/> so is almost certainly [[Hagiography|hagiographical]].
}}

<center><gallery widths=225px heights=225px>
File:DC Capitol Storming IMG 8026.jpg|Betsy Ross' flag (right) at the Capitol (January 6)
File:TrumpRally10.SenatePark.WDC.6January2021 (50808847673).jpg|The hat of the man on the left has a Three Percenter symbol at the January 6 rally
File:Oath Keepers logo.svg|Oath Keepers logo
File:46.ProudBoys.USSC.WDC.6January2021 (50810872007).jpg|The man in the center has a Three Percenter patch, a Proud Boys chicken-on-a-weathervane patch, and a "taxation is theft" patch
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol 2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09265-2 (50821579347).jpg|""WWG1WWGA" (QAnon symbol) on the hat at the bottom at the riot
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09417-2 (50814530472).jpg|[[Infowars]] graffiti on the gallows.
File:DC Capitol Storming IMG 7942.jpg|A co-opted "Don't Tread on Me" flag (Gadsden flag) at the Capitol.<ref name=quito/> It is often appropriated by [[gun nuts]] and limited government advocates<ref>{{wpa|Gadsden flag}}</ref>
File:Seditious rioter carries Christian Flag.jpg|Man (far right) with a [[Christian flag]] and a misappropriated [[Benjamin Franklin]] quote alluding to "[[The US is a republic, not a democracy]]" trope.
File:2021 storming of the United States Capitol DSC09439-2 (50814426406).jpg|Man carrying a [[WWJD]] coopted/WWG1WGA (QAnon) sign and a flag with an Ichthys symbol crossed with a US flag design, presumably Christian nationalism
File:DC Capitol Storming IMG 7979.jpg|The flag of South Vietnam (left, 3 red stripes), frequency associated with anti-communism, especially of the extreme hardline variety found amongst some Vietnamese refugees.<ref>[https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/why-defunct-south-vietnam-flag-was-flown-capitol-riot-n1254306 Why the defunct South Vietnam flag was flown at the Capitol riot: The flag has become a symbol for different things: anti-communism, U.S. imperialism, democracy and recollection of the past.] by Claire Wang (Jan. 15, 2021, 8:25 AM PST) ''NBC News''.</ref>
File:Before.SenatePark.WDC.6January2021 (50808731733) (cropped).jpg|Thin Blue Line flag (center), held by a Trump supporter, en route to the insurrection 
File:36.East.USCapitol.WDC.6January2021 (50822247337).jpg|A Christian kook with a Jewish ''shofar'' horn to beckon the [[end times]]<ref>[https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/23/adam-kizinger-politics-republicans/ The education of Adam Kinzinger: He was the face of modern conservatives and beloved by Republican leaders like House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. But now he is trying to steer the party toward a new path in politics opposite his once "true friend."] by Paul Kane (July 23, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. EDT) ''The Washington Post''.</ref>
</gallery></center>

==See also==
*[[2018 United States mail bombing attempts]]
*[[Authoritarianism of Donald Trump]]
*[[Bolshevik Revolution]], a more successful overthrow of democracy (Russia in 1917)
*[[Boogaloo boys]]
*[[Militia movement]]
*[[Proud Boys]]
*[[QAnon]]
*[[Q Shaman]]
*[[Unite the Right]]
*[[Trump-Ukraine scandal]]
*[[Tulsa Race Massacre]]

==External links==
*[https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/fox-news-host-calls-trump-supporters-at-capitol-riots-freaks-in-furious-rant/ar-BB1cCNeo?ocid=msedgntp Fox News host calls Trump supporters at Capitol riots 'freaks' in furious rant]
*[https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/11/full-transcript-donald-trump-january-6-incendiary-speech Trump's speech that 'incited' Capitol violence: Full transcript]
*[https://extremism.gwu.edu/Capitol-Hill-Cases Capitol Hill Siege], a central database of court records related to the events of January 6, 2021
*[https://seditionist.info/ Seditionist.Info], a central database of "arrested, wanted or known seditionists" involved in the riot
*[https://www.justsecurity.org/74138/incitement-timeline-year-of-trumps-actions-leading-to-the-attack-on-the-capitol/ Incitement Timeline: Year of Trump's Actions Leading to the Attack on the Capitol] by Ryan Goodman et al. (January 11, 2021) ''Just Security''
*[https://www.justice.gov/opa/investigations-regarding-violence-capitol Investigations regarding violence at the Capitol], United States Department of Justice
*[https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/01/20/trump-south-korea-park-geun-hye-justice-healing/ It's Time for Justice, Not Healing.] (January 20, 2021) ''Foreign Policy''
*[https://insurrectionindex.org/ Insurrection Index] - naming names and crimes
*[https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-cases Capitol Breach Cases] ''United States Attorney's Office, District of Columbia, Department of Justice'' – more than 800 people charged as of July 2022 — [[memory hole]]d under the [[Donald Trump|rapist felon]]'s orders on January 2025,<ref>[https://www.propublica.org/article/january-6-erasure-doj-database-trump-history?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly-newsletter Memory-Holing Jan. 6: What Happens When You Try to Make History Vanish?] by Alec MacGillis (Feb. 6, 2025, 6 a.m. EST) ''ProPublica''.</ref><ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/25/politics/january-6-justice-department-database/index.html Trump pardoned the January 6 convicts. Now his DOJ is wiping evidence of rioters’ crimes from the internet] by Donie O'Sullivan & Katelyn Polantz (January 26, 2025) ''CNN''.</ref> but mostly available on the [[Internet Archive]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20250121165444/https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/capitol-breach-cases Capitol Breach Cases]

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note|2}}

==References==
{{reflist|3|70%}}

[[Category:2020 election denialists]]
[[Category:2020 US presidential election]]
[[Category:Alt-right]]
[[Category:Anti-vaccination movement]]
[[Category:Conspiracy theories]]
[[Category:Coups]]
[[Category:Crank magnetism]]
[[Category:Crime]]
[[Category:Denialism]]
[[Category:Fascism]]
[[Category:Government incompetence]]
[[Category:Pseudohistory]]
[[Category:QAnon]]
[[Category:Racism]]
[[Category:Terrorism]]
[[Category:Trumpism]]
[[Category:United States politics]]
[[Category:2021 U.S. coup attempt| ]]

Categories: 2020 election denialists, 2020 US presidential election, Alt-right, Anti-vaccination movement, Conspiracy theories, Coups, Crank magnetism, Crime, Denialism, Fascism, Government incompetence, Pseudohistory, QAnon, Racism, Terrorism, Trumpism, United States politics, 2021 U.S. coup attempt