We put 3 lies from Jan. 6 under a microscope, and the results are eye-opening
On the anniversary of the attack on the Capitol that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021, we look at some of the most common misinformation spread surrounding the insurrection and former President Donald Trump’s election eligibility.
The insurrection was sparked by the false claim stated by Trump and other Republican leaders that the 2020 election was “stolen.” The false claims of a stolen election led about 10,000 people to the Capitol grounds during the certification of the presidential election results. There were more than 2,000 people who forced their way into the Capitol building.
As of December 2023, more than 1,237 people have been charged with crimes relating to the Jan. 6 attack, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Trump and several allies are facing charges for their actions committed while trying to overturn the 2020 election results. Trump’s actions led him to be removed from the 2024 presidential primary election ballot in two states, while several other states are determining his eligibility.
Antifa didn’t dress up as Trump supporters and break into the Capitol
Steven D’Antuono, the former assistant director of the FBI, said during a press conference on Jan. 8, two days after the event, that there was “no indication” that Antifa participated in the riot.
Yet, posts on social media push the false claim.
A post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Dec. 28, 2023, shared a video with the claim that Antifa, a network of anti-fascism and anti-racism supporters, broke into the Capitol and the Department of Justice “dropped charges” against the individuals.
“Further proof that Antifa was at the Capitol on January 6th. Biden’s DOJ has either decided not to arrested or immediately dropped charges on the Antifa agitators,” read part of the post.
The claim was also pushed by Republican Representative Matt Gaetz while on the House floor hours after the incident occurred.
“…some of the people who breached the Capitol today were not Trump supporters. They were masquerading as Trump supporters and, in fact, were members of the violent terrorist group Antifa,” Gaetz said.
Well-known conservative figures or members of far-right groups have been arrested and charged with crimes related to Jan. 6, including several former Proud Boy leaders who were convicted of organizing the event.
“No organization put more boots on the ground at the Capitol on January 6, 2021, than the Proud Boys, and they were at the forefront of every major breach of the Capitol’s defenses, leading the on-the-ground efforts to storm the seat of government,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves.
Graves added that the Proud Boys and far-right militia group Oath Keepers planned the event and to use force.
“The leaders of the Proud Boys and the leaders of the Oath Keepers, who conspired before, during, and after the siege of the Capitol to use force against their own government to prevent the peaceful transfer of power have now been held accountable,” Graves said.
Footage shows armed violent riot, contrary to unarmed peaceful protest claims
Protesters were captured on film and in photos using a variety of weapons against officers to force their way into the Capitol.
There were about 140 police officers assaulted during the insurrection the Department of Justice. Media personnel and their equipment were also assaulted and damaged.
“Approximately 444 defendants have been charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers or employees, including approximately 120 individuals who have been charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer,” according to the Department of Justice.
But posts on social media continue to spread the false claim that the event was a peaceful protest.
“Jan. 6 was just a peaceful protest,” read part of a Facebook post shared on Dec. 21.
Protesters reportedly used knives, a baseball bat, a large stick, pepper spray and other items to assault officers, according to court documents. Several individuals were charged with bringing guns onto the grounds during the Capitol attack.
Terry Cummings, a member of the Oath Keepers, testified on Oct. 12 that there was an arsenal of firearms stationed at a hotel outside of Washington to be used if needed.
“I had not seen that many weapons in one location since I was in the military,” said Cummings.
There’s no evidence that protesters were invited inside by Capitol police
Photos, film and police body cam footage show protesters fighting with officers and forcing their way into the Capitol building.
Yet, posts on social media continue to spread the false claim that Capitol police invited people into the building.
“Yes the Capitol Police invited the people in and led them through the Capitol,” said a post on Facebook shared in December. The post included a meme that read, “I’m confused…??? So how many insurrections have had tour guides?”
“On J6, the protesters were invited, led, shepherded, & even shoved inside the building. Then the Capitol Police shut the doors & arrested them all for trespassing,” read a post on X.
The claim was also debunked by Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger during a 2021 interview with CNN.
“This notion that the Capitol police were somehow allowing these folks into the Capitol, inviting them in, helping them, just simply not true,” said Manager.
Trump faces charges and convictions for his role in the insurrection
The former president has several pending court cases with charges relating to the insurrection or Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, with charges being filed in Georgia and Washington D.C.
The charges filed in Washington include conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.
In Georgia, Trump was indicted on 13 felony charges. Trump and 18 co-defendants face 41 total charges including violation of Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. If convicted, charges could result in Trump facing time in prison.
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump is disqualified from the state’s 2024 presidential primary ballot. He was also removed from the ballot in Maine. Though Trump has vowed to appeal the decisions.
There are 17 other states with pending court cases to determine if Trump can remain on the 2024 presidential primary ballot.