J6 // Part Four: The Breach

Timeframe: January 6, 2021 — 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Breaking the Line
By early afternoon, the breach became undeniable. At 1:00 PM, rioters smashed through Capitol windows and forced doors open from the inside. Streams of individuals began flowing into the building. Officers were overrun. Lines failed. Entry points multiplied.

First Wave Enters
The first intruders included known figures: Proud Boys, QAnon adherents, livestreamers, and individuals in costume. Some moved with clear direction—toward Senate chambers, Speaker’s office, secure conference rooms. Others simply wandered, stunned that they’d made it inside.

Law Enforcement Collapses
Capitol Police were now fully overwhelmed. Some officers were assaulted, others pulled into the crowd. Radio communication broke down. Without federal backup or National Guard on site, officers resorted to makeshift defenses and hasty barricades inside.

Congress Evacuates
Lawmakers were rushed from chambers and offices. Vice President Mike Pence was moved to a secure location just minutes before rioters reached his position. Staffers barricaded doors with furniture. Some members prayed. Others called loved ones.

No Clear Plan
Despite the aggression, the invaders showed no unified strategy once inside. Some filmed themselves. Others stole items. Some vandalized. Others posed for photos. For all the talk of “taking back” government, no one seemed to know what came next.

The World Watches
News networks aired the footage live. The world saw flags dragged across floors, offices ransacked, and the U.S. Capitol desecrated in real time.

Next: Part Five — Casualties, Chaos & The Turning Tide