On January 6, 2021, the U.S. capital was attacked, and it was one of the most challenging days in American history.
A rioting mob attempted to halt the certification of the 2020 presidential election by assaulting the U.S. Capitol because they incorrectly believed the 2020 election was stolen. The election was not stolen.
This was an unprecedented assault on American democracy.
More than 140 law enforcement officers were injured in the attack.
As of 1/6/2025, 1,580 individuals have been charged with federal crimes from the riot. According to the Washington Post, the status of those charged are:
- 13 = Proud Boys/Oath Keepers have charges related to felony "seditious conspiracy." Twelve have been convicted, and one is pending.
- 379 = charged and convicted with felony "assaulting police or members of the media."
- 287 = charged and convicted with felony "federal rioting, property destruction, theft, obstruction, or firearms counts."
- The rest (~60%) = were charged and convicted with misdemeanors "such as trespassing or disorderly conduct."
The loss of life was particularly tragic. Here is a summary from the Washington Post:
A female rioter was shot and killed by police inside the Capitol, and one officer succumbed to two strokes that were partly attributed to the stress of the attack. Three people died as a result of medical emergencies suffered during the riot. Four police officers later died by suicide.
Pardoning these convicted criminals is not acceptable. And continuing to prosecute the remaining ~300+ defendants should continue.
The members of the House of Representatives who investigated the Capital assault should not be attacked or persecuted.
Then-Vice President Mike Pence should be held in high esteem for certifying the 2020 election results correctly, given that many in the rioting crowd were bent on bodily harm to him.