The January 6 Capitol Riot on its 5th Anniversary today by Fernando Cervantes Jr.

On Jan. 6, 2021, a pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol demanding the results of the 2020 presidential election be overturned.

Five years ago, as lawmakers met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, thousands of Americans violently stormed the Capitol in an effort to stop the proceedings.

For some, the Capitol Riot feels like it happened yesterday, but in reality, half a decade has passed since that day in the nation’s capital. 

In the years following, President Donald Trump defended many of the rioters, calling them “hostages” and “political prisoners.” Once back in office, Trump approved pardons for nearly 1,600 people charged in the riot.

“These people have been destroyed,” Trump said in Jan. 2024. “What they’ve done to these people is outrageous.”

Although years have passed, the photos of the insurrection and its aftermath remain as striking as they were on that day.

See some of the images below. To read more go to the link below:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/06/january-6-capitol-riots-photos/88035612007