when was the january 6th riot

The January 6th riot, also known as the U.S. Capitol attack, occurred on January 6, 2021.

Event Timeline

This violent breach unfolded during a joint session of Congress certifying the 2020 presidential election results. Supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., after rallies on the National Mall, disrupting proceedings and clashing with law enforcement. Key moments included barriers breached around 1:00 p.m., rioters entering the building by 2:00 p.m., and one fatality when Ashli Babbitt was shot by Capitol Police at 2:44 p.m.

Differing Perspectives

• Official accounts describe it as an insurrection by Trump supporters aiming to halt certification, with over 1,200 charged criminally since.

• Some conservative views frame it as a protest that turned chaotic, emphasizing peaceful rally calls and questioning narratives like the January 6th Committee hearings.

• Media analyses highlight terminology debates—"riot" vs. "insurrection"—with calls for precise language to address root causes like election denialism.

Lasting Impact

As of January 2026, legal proceedings continue under President Trump's administration, with ongoing discussions in forums about pardons and historical context. No major new incidents tied to this date have trended recently.

TL;DR: The riot happened on January 6, 2021—a pivotal, polarizing event still debated today.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.