2021 storming of the United States Capitol facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Storming of the United States Capitol |
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| Part of the 2020–21 United States election protests and Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election | |
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| Date | January 6, 2021 |
| Location |
38°53′23.3″N 77°00′32.6″W / 38.889806°N 77.009056°W |
| Caused by |
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| Methods | Rioting, vandalism, looting, assault, shootings, arson, attempted bombings |
| Resulted in |
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| Casualties and criminal charges | |
| Death(s) | 5 dead
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| Injuries |
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| Charged | 200+ subject case files opened, including domestic terrorism, seditious conspiracy, and insurrection (80+ charged, 34+ arrested, 140,000+ digital media tips received) |
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On January 5 and 6, 2021, many supporters of then-President Donald Trump gathered in Washington, D.C.. They were there to protest the results of the 2020 United States presidential election. They wanted to support Trump's request for Vice President Mike Pence and Congress to reject Joe Biden's victory.
The protests turned into riots. Thousands of Trump supporters broke into the United States Capitol building. They caused damage inside. A historian named Michael Beschloss called the attacks an attempted coup by the President.
Contents
What Happened at the Capitol?
The Rally Before the Storm
Before the Capitol was stormed, a planned rally took place on the Ellipse. At this event, Rudy Giuliani spoke to the crowd. Donald Trump also told his supporters to march to the United States Capitol. He asked them to "peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard today." He also told them to "show strength" and to "fight like hell" to "take back our country."
Breaking into the Capitol Building
After the rally, supporters marched to the Capitol. They then broke into the building. At that time, Congress was meeting inside. All members of Congress, news reporters, and Vice President Mike Pence were quickly moved to a safe place.
During the event, a female protester was shot by Capitol Police. She had climbed through a blocked door near the entrance to the House of Representatives hall. She later died that day. Police in Washington D.C. also reported that three other people died from medical problems. One police officer was attacked and later died.
Many people have described the attack on the Capitol as domestic terrorism.
What Happened After the Attack?
Five people died during or soon after the event. These included four protesters and one police officer. Many police officers were hurt. Fifteen officers were taken to the hospital, and more than 50 others were injured. Some attackers hit Capitol Police officers with objects like flag poles.
How People Reacted
Many politicians, both Democrats and Republicans, believed that Trump should be removed from office. Some thought he should be impeached. Others wanted Vice President Pence to use the Twenty-fifth Amendment to remove Trump.
Trump shared messages on Twitter about the event. In one video, he told protesters: "This was a fraudulent election, but we can’t play into the hands of these people. We have to have peace. So go home. We love you. You’re very special. You’ve seen what happens. You see the way others are treated that are so bad and so evil. I know how you feel. But go home and go home in peace."
In another message, he wrote: "These are the things and events that happen when a sacred landslide election victory is so unceremoniously & viciously stripped away from great patriots who have been badly & unfairly treated for so long". He added: "Go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!".
Images for kids
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President Donald Trump speaking at a campaign rally in Goodyear, Arizona, in October 2020
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Trump's tweet shortly after polls had closed
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Signs reading "Stop the Steal" and "Off with their heads", photographed on the day of the attack
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Police officers at the Supreme Court on the morning of January 6
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Protesters at Washington Union Station on the morning of January 6
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An image of Trump delivering his rally speech from behind a bulletproof shield was projected onto this screen at the rally
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Protestors approaching the Capitol Complex
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Members of the Proud Boys in front of the U.S. Supreme Court Building
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Trump supporters crowding the steps of the Capitol
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Officer Daniel Hodges crushed in doorway
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Rioters inside the Senate chamber
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Reinforcements guard the Capitol after rioters were pushed out of the building
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A damaged window in the Capitol
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Trump supporters and police at the Texas State Capitol on January 6
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See also
In Spanish: Asalto al Capitolio de los Estados Unidos de 2021 para niños
