On January 6, 2021, the world watched in horror as the bastion of American democracy was ambushed and occupied by mobs. Trump supporters swarmed and stormed the U.S. Capitol.
The New York Times launched a visual investigation that painstakingly pieced together the events of that day. Investigative journalists collected and analyzed thousands of videos, most of which were filmed by the rioters themselves on their cellphones. They also received radio communications, CCTV and even police body camera footage. These thousands of videos were then synced and mapped to provide an unprecedented picture of the ensuing chaos around the building.
While briefly detailing the extensive plans leading up to the uprising and its aftermath, the account focuses on the horrors that took place on the grounds of and inside the Capitol.
On that fateful day, the US Congress and Senate met simultaneously in the Capitol to approve the 2020 election results.
Many protesters-turned-rioters-turned-rioters believe Trump and his close officials, who have repeatedly said the election was stolen, rigged and rigged. Now their “duty” as patriots is to “defend” democracy and “save” it from a “stolen” election.
The online chat has been active — there were even more than 1 million mentions in online forums in the weeks leading up to the Capitol storm. Because of the building’s historic origins, plans of the Capitol were easily accessible online and were downloaded and used during the attack.
There were even far-right groups, the Vow Keepers and the Proud Boys, who stormed the Capitol in their own name. They wear full combat gear, including vests, helmets, chemical sprays and weapons such as baseball bats. They are well-organized and use radio apps on mobile phones to coordinate attacks.
Coordination, readiness, weapons and the number of people present mean the guards have little chance of stopping them. The mob quickly surrounded the building, breaking through barricades and heading for windows, doors and other possible entry points.
After a successful entry, the mob went straight to the Senate, and another group went to Congress. Quick-thinking Police Officer Eugene Goodman alerted the Senate and distracted protesters, allowing the senator and his staff to evacuate safely. However, one rioter was shot dead as he was evacuating Congress. Many also looted, defaced and looted various offices and areas of the Capitol.
It took about four hours for reinforcements, including the National Guard, to reach the scene to bring the situation under control. Some 150 guards were injured due to lack of guidance, reinforcements and protective equipment.
The January 6 attack on the Capitol was not the result of an overnight or spontaneous act of violence.
It was planned and coordinated weeks in advance, with senior officials themselves instigating an already emotional crowd to take up arms. Officials have responsibilities and should be cautious in their words and deeds.
This attack further shows how sad it is that America remains so divided within itself.
Directed by: Nancy Gauss
