Day of Rage: How Trump Supporters Took the U.S. Capitol | Visual Investigations

Summary

The New York Times’ reconstruction argues that the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol grew out of the false claim that the 2020 election had been stolen. Amplified by Donald Trump and his allies, the claim fueled calls for action online and at a rally in Washington. Some attendees came to protest; others, including members of organized far-right groups, discussed storming the Capitol and stopping the certification of the election.

The investigation analyzed thousands of videos, police radio recordings and body-camera footage. It describes serious failures in preparation: authorities had received warnings of possible violence, but the Capitol was left thinly defended, officers lacked much of their protective equipment, and requests for National Guard assistance were delayed.

The assault began with breaches of police lines on multiple sides of the Capitol. The film traces how the Proud Boys and other rioters helped push through defenses, how attackers entered the building at eight locations, and how police were forced to defend lawmakers and staff inside. Officer Eugene Goodman diverted rioters away from an evacuation route near the Senate. In the House, Ashli Babbitt was fatally shot by a police officer as she tried to climb through a broken window toward lawmakers. Rosanne Boyland later died after collapsing in a crowd during a violent confrontation outside. More than 150 officers were injured.

The certification was interrupted as lawmakers were evacuated and rioters occupied parts of the Capitol. The film also highlights the delay in deploying the National Guard: troops were nearby, but Pentagon approval took hours. Police and other agencies eventually retook the building and grounds.

The documentary concludes that the attack was followed by efforts to minimize or deny what happened. It cites Republican lawmakers’ claims that the event was peaceful or not an insurrection, as well as opposition to an independent investigation. The film argues that the false election narrative and the forces behind the attack continued to resonate after Jan. 6.

Presenters and contributors

No presenter or member of the reporting team is named in the subtitles. Named people featured or discussed include Donald Trump, Nancy Pelosi, Mike Pence, Ethan Nordean, Joe Biggs, Dominic Pezzola, Billy Chrestman, Ryan Samsel, Officer Eugene Goodman, Mitt Romney, Christopher Warnagiris, Jim McGovern, Paul Gosar, Andrew Clyde, Ashli Babbitt, Zachary Alam, Robert Glover, Rosanne Boyland and Justin Winchell.