A Year After the Capitol Riot, How Has America Changed?

On January 6, 2021, a violent mob of supporters of former president Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The attack left five people dead, including a Capitol police officer, and hundreds injured. It also shook the foundations of American democracy and exposed the deep divisions in the country.

A year later, how has America changed? What have been the consequences of the Capitol riot for the perpetrators, the victims, the lawmakers, and the public? And what lessons can be learned from this unprecedented event?

One of the most visible impacts of the Capitol riot has been the criminal prosecution of hundreds of participants. According to a database maintained by George Washington University’s Program on Extremism, more than 700 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the attack, with more than 100 pleading guilty so far. The charges range from trespassing and disorderly conduct to conspiracy and assault on federal officers. Some of the defendants have expressed remorse and apologized for their actions, while others have maintained their innocence and allegiance to Trump.

Another consequence of the Capitol riot has been the political fallout for Trump and his allies. The former president was impeached by the House of Representatives for a second time, on a charge of inciting insurrection, but was acquitted by the Senate. He was also banned from several social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook, limiting his ability to communicate with his supporters. However, he has continued to spread false claims of election fraud and endorse candidates who share his views. He officially announced his intention to run for president again in 2024 on November 15, 2022.

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The Capitol riot also triggered a wave of investigations and reforms to prevent future attacks and enhance security. The most prominent of these is the House select committee that was established in June 2021 to probe the causes and consequences of the riot. The committee has issued subpoenas to several former Trump officials and associates, as well as to telecommunications companies and social media platforms, to obtain records and testimony related to the attack. The committee has also held several public hearings, featuring testimony from law enforcement officers, intelligence officials, and former Trump allies.

In addition, Congress passed a $2.1 billion bill in July 2021 to provide funding for security upgrades at the Capitol, as well as compensation for law enforcement officers and other staff who were injured or traumatized by the riot. The bill also established a permanent memorial for Brian Sicknick, the Capitol police officer who died after being attacked by rioters.

The Capitol riot also had a profound impact on the American public’s perception of democracy and trust in institutions. According to a survey conducted by Pew Research Center in June 2021, 81% of Americans said that democracy in the U.S. is facing major challenges, with 56% citing political violence or extremism as a major problem. The survey also found that 64% of Americans said they have little or no confidence in elected officials to act in the best interests of the public.

However, the survey also revealed some signs of optimism and resilience among Americans. For instance, 70% of Americans said they are very or somewhat satisfied with the way democracy is working in their local communities, and 59% said they are optimistic about the future of democracy in the U.S. Moreover, 76% of Americans said they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in law enforcement agencies to protect them from violence.

The Capitol riot was a dark and tragic day in American history, but it also served as a wake-up call for many Americans to defend and strengthen their democracy.