Fractured glass, confrontations with law enforcement, and enraged demonstrators scaling walls outside of the United States Capitol remain some of the most unforgettable images in recent political history. On January 6, 2021, a large number of then-President Donald Trump’s supporters forcefully entered the building in an attempt to overturn his election defeat, prompting lawmakers to flee for safety.
President Joe Biden recently referred to the violence during a campaign speech near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania on January 5, 2024, pointing out its enduring impact on American democracy. He criticized Trump for his inaction on January 6 and spreading false information about election results. Trump is now facing a federal indictment for his role in trying to overturn the election and is currently seeking a second term in the 2024 presidential election, while Biden is running for re-election as well.
The fallout from the insurrection continues to divide the country along partisan lines, with Trump maintaining that the election was stolen from him, which contributed to the events of January 6. Individuals involved in the Capitol riot continue to receive lengthy prison sentences, including prominent far-right figures such as former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio and Oath Keepers militia head Stewart Rhodes.
Trump’s federal case is scheduled to begin on March 4, with charges including conspiracy to defraud the US, conspiracy against rights, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and obstructing an official proceeding. The Justice Department revealed that over 1,200 individuals faced charges for their roles in the riot, with more than 700 pleading guilty and roughly 450 receiving prison sentences. Seditious conspiracy, a charge used to prosecute individuals accused of plotting to overthrow the government, has also resulted in lengthy prison terms for those convicted.
Even after three years, a significant portion of Americans still believe the falsehood that the 2020 election was stolen through widespread voter fraud, perpetuated by Trump and his supporters. This belief motivated the thousands of rioters who attacked the Capitol on January 6, and views on this matter continue to be deeply divided across party lines.
On the campaign trail, Biden has made defending US democracy a central theme, characterizing the January 6 riot as an attack on democratic ideals. He has posed the question of whether democracy is still America’s sacred cause as the central issue of the 2024 election. Trump, on the other hand, has promised to pardon individuals convicted in the riot if re-elected, emphasizing his focus on the imprisoned participants. Both candidates have referenced the events of January 6 in their respective campaigns, with very different approaches.