The Jan. 6 Capitol Riots

The Facts

• ORIGINS: On Jan. 6, 2021, in response to Republican Pres. Donald Trump's dispute of the 2020 election results, a large group of his supporters broke from what was originally an outdoor protest and marched to the US Capitol building. Hundreds forced their way inside, some of whom vandalized the building, clashed with police, and temporarily halted the electoral count. Trump had delivered a speech urging his supporters to march to the Capitol, though he did not say to go inside.

• ELECTION CERTIFICATION: Following Biden's Electoral College win, many Trump supporters — and some GOP members of Congress and Trump admin. officials — wanted to prevent Congress from certifying the results, claiming the election had been stolen. Some also believed that Vice Pres. Mike Pence, as president of the Senate, could influence the outcome. Pence — who was evacuated during the riots — issued a letter stating he would do his "duty" to "open the certificates," to "hear objections" from congressmen, and "count the votes of the Electoral College."

• VIOLENCE & CASUALTIES: Many of the rioters looted congressional offices and searched for politicians, including Pence. According to congressional reports, some brought improvised weapons. Footage shows what appears to be several others peacefully walking through the Capitol to take photos. One person was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer near the US House chamber; another demonstrator died of a heart attack, and another was crushed by the crowd. One police officer died from strokes following the riots, and two others reportedly later committed suicide.