The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Jan. 6th, 2025
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
Today, we’re taking a look at the numbers associated with the January 6th, 2021 insurrection, one of the most serious assaults on the American democratic process in the country’s history.
After then-President Donald Trump spoke at the Ellipse to an event he and his campaign promoted, a mob the FBI estimates at over 2,000 attacked the U.S. Capitol. Over 140 U.S. Capitol and D.C. Metropolitan police officers were injured. Officer Brian Sicknick died of a stroke, and four officers later died from physical or mental health causes. Three insurrectionists died, including one who was shot by police.
The U.S. Capitol sustained $2.9 million dollars in damage. As of November 2024 the U.S. Department of Justice had charged 590 with assaulting or resisting law enforcement, and 169 with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing injury to an officer. Among the weapons were pepper spray, a sword, axes, knives, bats, hockey sticks, and flagpoles. All defendants were charged with federal trespass or disorderly conduct.
Of the more than 1,500 charged, DOJ reports 979 guilty pleas, and 250 found guilty at trial or pleading “no contest.” Prison time has ranged from a few days up to 22 years for the most serious charge, seditious conspiracy.
Trump has promised to pardon the QUOTE, “Patriots.” In a December 8th NBC News interview, he said he would act quickly after taking office.
We have more at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
NPR – Read Trump’s Jan. 6 Speech, A Key Part Of Impeachment Trial
U.S. District Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia – (2024) 46 Months Since the Jan. 6 Attack on U.S. Capitol
U.S. District Attorney’s Office, District of Columbia – (2024) Four Men Sentenced for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach
CBS News – U.S. attorney explains Jan. 6 Capitol riot prosecutions
NPR – The Jan. 6 attack: The cases behind the biggest criminal investigation in U.S. history
Associated Press – Lawmakers brace for Trump’s promised Jan. 6 pardons. Some are urging restraint
FactlCheck.org – How Many Died as a Result of Capitol Riot?
The Guardian – ‘We have our country back’: convicted January 6 rioters anticipate Trump pardons
Reuters – Trump vows to pardon Jan. 6 defendants on Day One
Brennan Center for Justice – (Analysis) – Trump Pardoning Jan. 6 Insurrectionists Would Endorse Attacks on Democracy
Congressional Research Bureau – Fischer v. United States: Supreme Court Reads Federal Obstruction Provision Narrowly in Capitol Breach Prosecution
Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, C.R.E.W., Protect Democracy
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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