January 6 United States Capitol attack — 2021 attempt to prevent the U.S. presidential electoral vote count
The January 6 Capitol attack was the only attempted coup against the U.S. federal government, disrupting the certification of the 2020 presidential election results.
Key Facts
- People who entered Capitol
- 2,000–2,500 (FBI estimate)
- Deaths within 36 hours
- 5 people
- Police officers injured
- 174 officers
- Property damage
- Over $2.7 million
- Post-event suicides (officers)
- 4 within 7 months
- Trump impeachment vote
- House impeached for incitement of insurrection
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, President Donald Trump made repeated false claims that the election had been stolen. On January 5 and 6, 2021, he called supporters to Washington, D.C., urging them to pressure Vice President Mike Pence and Congress to reject the certification of Joe Biden's electoral victory.
On January 6, 2021, thousands of Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol while Congress was convening to count Electoral College votes. An estimated 2,000–2,500 people breached the building, occupying chambers, vandalizing offices, and assaulting police officers. The Capitol was cleared by mid-evening, and the electoral count resumed and concluded early on January 7.
Five people died within 36 hours, 174 police officers were injured, and property damage exceeded $2.7 million. The House impeached Trump for incitement of insurrection—his second impeachment—though the Senate acquitted him. Subsequent federal investigations led to Trump being indicted on four charges, later dismissed after his reelection, and a House select committee recommended DOJ prosecution.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Donald Trump.
Side B
1 belligerent
Nancy Pelosi, Mike Pence.