Capitol police officers inside the U.S. Capitol on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC.
NurPhoto
It's been one year since the insurrection at the United States Capitol building. Following a speech by Donald Trump, where he again pushed lies about the 2020 election, the nation held its breath as it watched protesters breach the symbol of our nation's democracy.
During the chaos, members of Congress feared for their lives while rioters terrorized officers from the Capitol Police and other agencies. Windows were shattered, violence ensued, and lives were lost.
Here is a look back at some of the moments that occurred on that day.
Copyright 2024 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.
Before the riot, Donald Trump supporters participate in a rally — at which the then-president urged supporters to "fight" — in Washington, near the White House.
John Minchillo / AP
Pro-Trump protesters gather in front of the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 6, 2021, after President Donald Trump told a rally: "We're going to walk down to the Capitol."
Jon Cherry / Getty Images
Supporters of then-President Donald Trump try to break through a police barrier at the Capitol in Washington. They would ultimately succeed.
John Minchillo / AP
Trump supporters clash with police and security forces before pushing past law enforcement and barriers to enter the Capitol.
Joseph Prezioso / AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of President Donald Trump climb the west wall of the the U.S. Capitol.
Jose Luis Magana / AP
Hundreds of Trump supporters had marched to the Capitol with the goal of disrupting and overturning the certification of Joe Biden's election win.
Cheriss May / Getty Images
Protesters turned flags bearing their slogans, and later American flags, into weapons during the riot. The Confederate battle flag also made an appearance in the building.
Win McNamee / Getty Images
Protesters interact with Capitol Police officers inside the U.S. Capitol Building. Some of these interactions turned violent, with deadly consequences.
Win McNamee / Getty Images
U.S. Capitol Police agents aim their guns as a pro-Trump mob tries to break into the House of Representatives chamber. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas, in the blue shirt, talks to one of the rioters.
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
Jacob Chansley, the so-called "QAnon shaman," screams "Freedom" inside the Senate chamber. He has since been sentenced to 41 months in prison for charges related to his role in the riot.
Win McNamee / Getty Images
Richard Barnett, a supporter of President Donald Trump, sits inside the office of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi after breaking into the Capitol.
Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images
Representatives, staffers and observers shelter in place in the House gallery as rioters try to break into the chamber.
Andrew Harnik / AP
The hallowed halls of the Capitol Rotunda became a backdrop for Trump supporters' videos and photos — and the statues were treated as props.
Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images
A protester dressed as George Washington debates with a Capitol Police officer before being pushed out.
Brent Stirton / Getty Images
National Guard troops bearing shields clear a street from protesters outside the Capitol building that evening.
Roberto Schmidt / AFP/Getty Images
Plastic covers a statue that has what appears to be blood at the U.S. Capitol. The physical damage to the building has been fixed. The personal and emotional tolls of those there that day persists.
The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im