Reflections on the Capitol Riot: Eyewitness Accounts from January 6

Tue Dec 23 2025 18:26:02 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An excerpt from Mary Clare Jalonick's book, 'Storm at the Capitol' provides a gripping oral history of the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot, detailing the experiences of police officers, rioters, and staff during a chaotic day in American history.

This article showcases an exclusive excerpt from 'Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th,' by journalist Mary Clare Jalonick. Through powerful firsthand accounts, it recounts the harrowing events of January 6, 2021, revealing the intense struggles of Capitol police and the chaos that unfolded as rioters stormed the Capitol in a futile bid to overturn the election results. Jalonick's work compiles testimonies from multiple perspectives, blinking back the facade of politics to expose the human elements in an extraordinary day, filled with violence and conflict.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a compelling excerpt from 'Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th,' journalist Mary Clare Jalonick provides a vivid recounting of the grim events of January 6, 2021. Compiled from personal interviews, testimonies, and public records, the piece underscores the severity of the breach at the U.S. Capitol as police, rioters, lawmakers, and staff experienced the chaos firsthand.

The narrative unfolds around 4 p.m. as rioters clash with law enforcement, ambitious to breach the Capitol and overturn the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory. The accounts reflect how hundreds of individuals propelled through police lines, determined to reach the central doors of the Capitol’s West Front, a site of significant historical importance.

Among the police officers was Brian Sicknick, who had ominously forecasted a day of violence the night before. He later succumbed to the injuries sustained from the riot, highlighting the grave consequences faced by law enforcement in attempting to protect the Capitol.

In a gripping portrayal of the tumult, the article showcases accounts of the battle at the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, where officers faced a relentless and brutal onslaught from rioters. The chaos escalated into violent confrontations, with officers forming a human barrier against the mob and struggling for their lives amid the chaos.

Insights from Officer Michael Fanone capture the harrowing experiences as he was pulled into the crowd, faced brutal assaults, and appealed to the humanity of the rioters. The account provides a closer look at the sheer terror and intensity of a day that tested the very fabric of democracy.

As the violence raged, officers could be seen coordinating efforts to maintain their ground while facing increasingly aggressive attackers, with some officers reflecting on their worries of seeing their families again.

The article concludes with the tragic fate of Officer Brian Sicknick, who after bravely battling through the riot, collapsed and sadly passed away later that evening, leaving a lasting reminder of the toll exacted on those who serve and protect.

The complete narratives presented in 'Storm at the Capitol' serve as a poignant reminder of January 6's impact on America, immortalizing the voices of those who found themselves at the center of turmoil.