The insurrection that unfolded on January 6, 2021, was not a mere riot. It was a failed coup attempt—a violent, premeditated assault on the very foundation of American democracy. The term “riot” evokes images of random chaos, but the reality of that day was far more sinister. It was a concerted effort to overthrow the legitimate results of a democratic election, driven by the rhetoric and ambitions of then-President Donald Trump.
The Democratic National Convention recently released a striking new ad featuring previously unearthed footage of the January 6 events. This ad provides a stark reminder of the organized nature of the insurrection and the gravity of the situation. The footage and subsequent analysis reveal that this was not a spontaneous outburst but a planned attack on democratic institutions.
The idea that January 6 was an isolated incident overlooks the broader context of Trump’s attempts to consolidate power. His actions and words were part of a broader strategy to undermine democratic norms and institutions. The insurrection was the culmination of months of rhetoric aimed at destabilizing the democratic process.
The evidence of premeditation is compelling. Investigations have shown that many participants were equipped with tactical gear and communication devices, indicating a high level of planning. The scale and organization of the attack went far beyond the scope of a spontaneous protest.
Many congressional Republicans had prior knowledge of the attack, reinforcing the notion that it was a coordinated effort to seize control of the Capitol and disrupt the certification of the election. Donald Trump’s role was pivotal—his incendiary speech that morning, urging supporters to “fight like hell,” and his subsequent inaction as the violence unfolded underscored his complicity.
The Trump administration’s efforts to undermine the election were part of a larger strategy to maintain power through undemocratic means, including exerting pressure on lawmakers and officials to overthrow democracy and install him as a dictator.
Labeling January 6 as a riot minimizes the seriousness of the events and obscures the true nature of the attack. A “riot” suggests a breakdown of order, but it fails to capture the deliberate, coordinated effort to dismantle democratic processes. The term “failed coup” more accurately reflects the organized and purposeful nature of the assault.
Understanding January 6 as a failed coup is crucial for acknowledging the severity of the threat to democracy and emphasizing the need for accountability. It also helps frame ongoing political and legal responses to prevent future attempts to subvert democracy.
The new footage released by the DNC serves as a potent reminder of the gravity of January 6. It illustrates that the insurrection was a calculated effort to overthrow the democratic system. Only by accurately describing these events can we fully confront the challenges they present and safeguard our democratic institutions.
Watch the clip below:
Democratic Convention reveals new ad featuring unearthed footage of January 6: “If Trump is elected, he will never be held accountable.” pic.twitter.com/rqaQG35RPn
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 22, 2024
