People across the United States are commemorating the first anniversary of the deadly attack on the US Capitol, described by top officials in Washington, DC, as an “unprecedented” assault on the country’s democracy.
A mob of former President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as Congress was meeting to certify Joe Biden’s election victory.
Five people died in the ensuing violence, Trump was later impeached for “incitement of insurrection”, and more than 725 people have since been charged in relation to the attempt to undermine a democratic transition of power.
Several events are planned in the US capital on Thursday to commemorate the sombre anniversary. US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation from the Capitol.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other leading Democrats will later hold a moment of silence on the House floor before leading a discussion about the riot with historians. A prayer vigil will also be held on Thursday evening.
