J6 // Part Six: Retaking the Capitol and Public Reaction
Timeframe: January 6, 2021 — 3:15 PM to 6:00 PM
Law Enforcement Regroups
By mid-afternoon, law enforcement began retaking control. D.C. Metro Police, Capitol Police reinforcements, and federal tactical units entered the Capitol in force. Tear gas, stun grenades, and physical engagement were used to clear hallways, chambers, and balconies. Officers began pushing rioters out room by room.
National Guard Authorized — Late
Despite urgent requests earlier in the day, the Department of Defense didn’t authorize full National Guard deployment until after 3:00 PM. Guardsmen would not arrive in significant numbers until after the Capitol had already been cleared.
Rioters Disperse
By 4:30 PM, rioters had begun retreating, some by force, others voluntarily. Dozens were bloodied. A few were arrested on-site, but most were not. By 5:30 PM, the Capitol was largely under law enforcement control again. The chaos had lasted over four hours.
Congress Reconvenes
At 8:00 PM, Congress resumed the certification process in the same chambers that had been overrun. Shattered glass, torn documents, and overturned furniture surrounded them. Lawmakers returned with statements of condemnation. Even some of Trump’s allies backed away.
The Country Watches
The public watched all of it — the breach, the brawls, the desecration — in real time. News networks broadcast scenes of rioters feet on desks, looting offices, waving Confederate flags. International allies expressed shock. Enemies issued statements of mockery.
Trump’s Response
At 4:17 PM, Trump released a video telling rioters to go home — while reiterating that the election was stolen. He told them: "We love you. You're very special."
Aftershocks Begin
The nation began its reckoning. Words like "coup attempt," "sedition," and "terrorism" entered headlines. Social media companies began suspending accounts. Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies launched investigations. The FBI opened a nationwide manhunt.
Next: Part Seven — Fallout, Arrests & the Battle for the Narrative