The events of January 6, 2021, at the U.S. Capitol have been widely debated, with many calling it an insurrection. However, when critically analyzing the nature of the event and comparing it to what is historically considered an insurrection, it becomes clear that the Capitol riot doesn’t fit the classic definition of such an uprising. To understand why, it’s important to explore the context of the January 6 events and the characteristics of a true insurrection.

An insurrection is typically characterized by an organized, large-scale, violent attempt to overthrow or disrupt a legitimate government or political order. Individuals or groups usually lead this with clear, well-structured leadership, military organization, and a plan to seize power. In contrast, the January 6 incident was neither an attempt to overthrow the government nor a well-coordinated effort to take control of the political system.

On January 6, a crowd of supporters of then-President Donald Trump gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. As the day progressed, a segment of the crowd breached the Capitol building, resulting in damage, chaos, and madness including the death of Ashli Babbitt who was killed by government forces. While Jan 6^th  was certainly violent and unlawful, it was not an organized attempt to overthrow the government or seize control. The rioters did not have a clear and unified leadership, military backing, or plans to establish a new government. Rather, the group was largely motivated by a belief that the election had been stolen, fueled by disinformation, and their actions were driven by anger and frustration rather than any calculated move to undermine the republic.

A real insurrection is often marked by strategic objectives that go beyond mere protest. Historically, an insurrection involves a group that actively challenges the existing political and governmental authority with the intent to replace or destroy it. Examples of true insurrections in history include the American Revolution, the Haitian Revolution, and the Paris Commune of 1871. In each of these cases, groups of insurgents had clearly defined goals and leadership that sought to replace the political order, often through the use of force, military action, and strategic movements.

In contrast, the January 6 event, while involving a significant number of people, did not involve any direct, organized attempt to control or replace the government. The rioters did not engage in tactical maneuvers or take control of any significant government infrastructure. They disrupted a proceeding in Congress but did not attempt to replace the government or take over its functioning. The lack of strategic leadership, military action, and clear political objectives sets the Capitol riot apart from a true insurrection.

Additionally, many of the individuals involved in the Capitol breach were not armed with the intent to engage in a full-scale rebellion. While some carried weapons or engaged in violence, most were not organized to overthrow the government and had no such goal. This highlights a key difference between a rebellion and a mob, as the latter can be driven by emotion, chaos, or governmental instigation rather than a coherent revolutionary cause.

Furthermore, It cannot be ignored that there was an element of the government in the crowd (Uncover FBI) instigating and Capital Police that was letting people in while providing tours of the Capital. Or, how Nancy Pelosi was ultimately responsible, as she said in her daughter’s video because she turned down Donald Trump’s offer of having the National Guard there in big numbers.

In conclusion, while the events of January 6 were certainly an act of violence and a serious threat to public safety, they do not meet the traditional criteria for an insurrection. The lack of organized leadership, military strategy, and a clear goal to overthrow the government distinguishes it from a true insurrection. Instead, the Capitol riot should be viewed as a violent, misguided protest that got out of hand, rather than a calculated attempt to overthrow the U.S. government.

C. Rich

CRich@AmericaSpeaksInk.com

C. Rich

C. Rich is the voice behind America Speaks Ink, home to the America First Movement. As an author, poet, freelance ghostwriter, and blogger, C. Rich brings a “baked-in” perspective shaped by growing up on the streets and beaches of South Florida in the 1970s-1980s and brings a quintessential Generation-X point of view.

Rich’s writing journey began in 2008 with coverage of the Casey Anthony trial and has since evolved into a wide-ranging exploration of politics, culture, and the issues that define our times. Follow C. Rich’s writing odyssey here at America Speaks Ink and on Amazon with a four-book series on Donald Trump called “Trump Era: The MAGA Files” and many other books and subjects C. Rich is known to cover.

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