Was January 6 really an insurrection?

Checked on September 23, 2025
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1. Summary of the results

The majority of the analyses provided support the claim that January 6 was an insurrection, with sources describing the event as a "storming of the United States Capitol" by a "mob of supporters of Donald Trump" [1], and stating that the attack was "widely regarded as an insurrection or attempted coup d’état" [1]. Additionally, sources note that the event "met the definition" of an insurrection as a "violent revolt or rebellion against the government" [2]. Other sources also describe the January 6 event as an insurrection and a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, with Trump supporters attempting to stop the certification of the presidential election results [3], and refer to the event as the "January 6 U.S. Capitol attack" and "insurrection or attempted coup d’état" [1]. However, some sources provide alternative viewpoints, such as the debate over the legacy of January 6 and whether it was an insurrection [4], and the argument that the label "insurrection" has traditionally been associated with Black people, but is now being applied to a mostly white crowd [5].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Some key context that is missing from the original statement is the historical context of the term "insurrection" and its usage in the US, particularly in relation to the treatment of Black Americans [5]. Another missing context is the debate over the legacy of January 6 and whether it was an insurrection, with some experts arguing that the promise by Trump to pardon those involved adds to the debate [4]. Alternative viewpoints include the argument that January 6 was not an act of terrorism, but rather a violent riot or insurrection [6], and the suggestion that the event was not as severe as it is being portrayed [7]. The radicalization of US domestic terrorists is also a relevant context that is missing from the original statement [6]. Furthermore, the role of President Trump in the events leading up to and on January 6 is a crucial context that is missing, with some sources noting that Trump has applied the label "insurrection" broadly to various events and situations [2].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be biased towards a particular interpretation of the events of January 6, with some sources suggesting that the label "insurrection" is being applied inconsistently [5]. Additionally, the statement may be missing crucial context that could provide a more nuanced understanding of the events, such as the historical context of the term "insurrection" and the debate over the legacy of January 6 [4] [5]. The statement may also be influenced by political motivations, with some sources noting that the promise by Trump to pardon those involved adds to the debate over the legacy of January 6 [4]. Overall, it is crucial to consider multiple sources and viewpoints to gain a comprehensive understanding of the events of January 6 and their significance [8] [1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [3] [7].

Want to dive deeper?
What is the legal definition of insurrection in the US?
How many people were charged with insurrection-related crimes after January 6 2021?
Did the January 6 committee conclude that the event was an insurrection?
What were the consequences for law enforcement during the January 6 US Capitol attack?
How does the January 6 event compare to other historical US insurrections?