Remembering What (Really) Happened on January 6
KQED's Forum
Deep Dive
What was the FBI's classification of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol?
The FBI classified the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as an act of domestic terrorism.
How has Donald Trump described the events of January 6?
Donald Trump has described the events of January 6 as a 'day of love' and has vowed to pardon the rioters involved.
What were the key findings of the January 6 committee regarding Donald Trump's role?
The January 6 committee focused heavily on Donald Trump's role in stoking the idea that the election was being stolen, misleading the public, and his efforts to disrupt the lawful certification of the 2020 presidential election.
What was the atmosphere like inside the Capitol during the January 6 attack?
Inside the Capitol, there was chaos and terror. Police officers locked doors, gas masks were distributed, and members of Congress evacuated. The situation escalated when gunshots were heard, and reporters and lawmakers feared for their lives.
How has the narrative around January 6 changed over time?
Over time, a revisionist narrative has emerged, pushed by Donald Trump and his supporters, downplaying the violence and recasting the event as a peaceful protest or a 'day of love.' This narrative has gained traction, with fewer Americans now believing the mob was violent or that laws were broken.
What role did social media play in the lead-up to January 6?
Social media played a significant role in the lead-up to January 6, with pro-MAGA groups and far-right individuals discussing plans for violence and civil war. Donald Trump's tweets, such as 'It's going to be wild,' further fueled these discussions.
What was the significance of the January 6 committee's work?
The January 6 committee's work was significant in documenting the events of the day, gathering evidence, and highlighting the role of Donald Trump and his campaign in stoking the insurrection. The committee's findings aimed to counter the revisionist narratives that emerged afterward.
How did the January 6 attack impact the perception of democracy in the U.S.?
The January 6 attack severely undermined the perception of democracy in the U.S., as it was a direct assault on the peaceful transfer of power. The event highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions and the potential for political violence to disrupt elections.
What was the role of conspiracy theories in the January 6 attack?
Conspiracy theories, particularly those propagated by QAnon and other far-right groups, played a significant role in radicalizing individuals who participated in the January 6 attack. These theories fueled the belief that the election was stolen and that violent action was necessary.
How did the January 6 attack affect the lives of those involved?
The January 6 attack led to the arrest and prosecution of over 3,300 individuals, many of whom faced significant legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences. Families of those involved were also deeply affected, with some losing homes to pay for legal fees.
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