January 6
On January 6, 2021, thousands gathered in Washington, D.C., as Congress certified the results of the 2020 presidential election. Following a rally near the White House, crowds moved toward the U.S. Capitol, where the day escalated into the breach of the Capitol building.
These photographs document moments observed around the Capitol during a historic and volatile moment in American politics.
A Trump rally at the White House Ellipse saw a powerful symbol of liberty in attendance. January 6, 2021. Washington D.C.
A tree near the White House ellipse provided a vantage point for Trump rally attendees. January 6, 2021. Washington, D.C.
A glimpse of concern emerges through the crowds of a rally held by President Trump at the White House ellipse. January 6, 2021. Washington D.C.
Following a Trump rally by the Ellipse near the White House, crowds stream toward Capitol Hill to make their voices heard. January 6, 2021. Washington D.C.
United by Stars and Stripes, a crowd holding flags and signs attempts to make their voices heard on Capitol Hill. January 6, 2021. Washington D.C.
Protesters gather outside Capitol Hill following President Trump's rally near the White House ellipse. January 6, 2021. Washington, D.C.
A couple of protesters confront riot police officers outside the west entrance of Capitol Hill. January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.
Riot police stand adamantly as protesters rally outside the west entrance of Capitol Hill. January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.
Rally attendees urge protesters to enter Capitol Hill, yelling: ‘This is your house! Get into your house!’ January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.
Amidst heightened tensions, the 'QAnon Shaman,' Jacob Chandler, urges a crowd of protesters outside the west side of the Capitol to go home. January 6, 2021, Washington D.C.
Demanding to be heard, a crowd rallies outside the west entrance of Capitol Hill. January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.
Behind closed doors, Capitol Police stands watchful as a crowd of protesters rally outside the west entrance of the Capitol. January 6, 2021, Washington D.C.
Jacob Chandler, a.k.a. the ‘QAnon Shaman,’ and another fellow protester urge demonstrators to disperse at the west entrance of the Capitol in an effort to de-escalate the situation amid a charged atmosphere. January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.
Capitol police arrive to secure the perimeter around the west entrance of the Capitol. January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.
Riot police surround the west entrance of the Capitol, securing the Capitol in the aftermath of the siege. January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.
Capitol Police swiftly secure the perimeter, after moving individuals away from the west entrance of the Capitol, upholding safety and order after the Capitol siege. January 6, 2021, Washington D.C.
Signs left behind at the end of a protest offer insight into the polarization shaping contemporary discourse. January 6, 2021, Washington, D.C.