Consider This from NPR

Episode: Inside the Jan. 6 Capitol riot: Part 1 of 2
Air Date: January 4, 2026
Host: Scott Detrow
Correspondent: Tom Dreisbach
Notable Voices: Jason Riddle (Capitol Riot Participant), Peter Welch (Congressman), Daniel Hodges & Michael Fanone (DC Police Officers), Donald Trump (then-President)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the firsthand experiences of police officers, members of Congress, Trump supporters, and journalists during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Drawing from years of NPR investigations, body cam footage, interviews, and court evidence, the show scrutinizes what really unfolded during those chaotic hours, shedding light on the brutality, confusion, and motivations that drove the day. It further examines efforts, particularly by the Trump administration, to rewrite or erase this chapter from American history.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Immediate Chaos: Inside the Capitol (00:09 – 02:14)

• Audio from police on the ground reveals the terror and violence officers faced as mobs broke through barriers and physically assaulted them.
• Officers, overwhelmed and injured, retreated indoors, indicating their fear for their lives.
  • Memorable moment: Officer: “We are not losing the U.S. capitol today. You hear me?” (01:38)

“Rewriting” the Narrative (02:14 – 04:12)

• Tom Dreisbach explains how Trump, after returning to office, issued pardons to nearly all rioters and removed those prosecuting January 6th cases.
• Efforts were also made to disappear public evidence and records—NPR fought in court to keep them.
  • Quote: “[Trump] pardoned nearly every single rioter, even the ones who beat cops. He said they were the real victims.” (03:49, Tom Dreisbach)

The Backdrop to Insurrection: 2020 in Review (05:49 – 09:53)

• The episode recaps 2020’s isolation, COVID-19's devastation, economic malaise, and George Floyd's murder, setting a tense stage.
• Extremist groups mobilized amid political and social turmoil.
• Trump stoked election fraud claims long before evidence could be assessed:
  • Trump quote: “The only way they can take this election away from us is if this is a rigged election.” (07:00)
• The "Big Lie" of a stolen election is shown as premeditated groundwork for January 6th.

The Imminent Threat: Calls to Action & Organization (09:53 – 13:29)

• Testimonies from Trump supporters like Jason Riddle (“It became my identity…”) reveal intense personal devotion fueling the crowd.
• Congressman Peter Welch recalls a seemingly peaceful protest that morning, but notes the identification of organized groups—specifically the Proud Boys.
  • Welch: “There were people who were marching in formation. It was organized and up disciplined our streets.” (13:17)
• Behind the scenes, far-right groups had been secretly preparing for violence and occupation.

The Breach Begins: Overwhelmed Security (15:03 – 18:49)

• Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges describes early warning signs: protesters arriving in tactical gear.
• The Proud Boys scouted entrances; Peace Circle, guarded only by bike racks and a few officers, became the first major breach point.
  • Live audio: “We have a breach on the west front. First street breach. Multiple units. Send all you have.” (19:12)
• Concurrent crises (pipe bombs, armed vehicles) drew police resources away, exacerbating the collapse.

Congress in Peril (20:23 – 28:59)

• As the certification process began, Pence refused to overturn election results. Trump, in his speech, stoked outrage:
  • Trump: “We Fight like hell. And if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore.” (20:42)
• The crowd collided with police, and rioters stormed the building. Riddle describes chaotic scenes inside: “It was basically like a bunch of frat kids ransacking the place.” (25:55)
• On the House floor, Congressmen hid, police barricaded doors, and shots were fired at a rioter, Ashley Babbitt, killing her.
  • Welch: “Even as I was hearing the glass break, even as I heard the shot going off… I didn’t believe it was happening.” (28:59)

Relentless Violence: Officers’ Ordeals (30:08 – 36:02)

• Michael Fanone, a plainclothes officer, and Daniel Hodges recount life-threatening assaults, lack of preparation, and overwhelming odds.
  • Fanone: “You know, we're outnumbered fucking, like, seven to one… going in and trying to affect an arrest at that point is not going to de-escalate the situation…” (31:35)
  • Hodges: “I tried bracing myself… the momentum had shifted, and I was getting pinned… and I was afraid that I might, you know, lose consciousness or be killed there.” (33:33)
• Both officers describe the tunnel fight as “medieval” (32:33), with body cam footage showing the chaos and violence.

The Aftermath: Clearing the Capitol and Lingering Trauma (36:02 – 42:21)

• Backup eventually arrives; rioters are cleared.
• Trump releases a video encouraging his supporters to go home, but simultaneously expresses love and support for them.
  • Trump: “So go home. We love you. You’re very special. You’ve seen what happens…” (38:51)
• Officers and Congress regroup. Congress resumes the vote; police tend to injuries.
• Fanone is hospitalized, but recounts that the trauma—psychological and physical—never ends.
  • Fanone: “What was traumatic was everything that happened afterwards. There's no end. Like we're still living in the midst of my fucking trauma.” (42:06)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We are not losing the U.S. capitol today. You hear me?” (01:38, Unnamed Officer)
• Tom Dreisbach on rewritten history: “Trump pardoned nearly every single rioter, even the ones who beat cops. He said they were the real victims.” (03:49)
• Jason Riddle on identity: “Being a Trump supporter is all about the reaction from everyone else, so that's the best part.” (10:33)
• Peter Welch on disbelief: “Even as I was hearing the glass break… I didn't believe it was happening. I was thinking, Peter, this is not happening.” (28:59)
• Officer Hodges' fear in the tunnel: “I was afraid that I might, you know, lose consciousness or be killed there.” (33:33)
• Trump to supporters after riot: “Go home. We love you. You’re very special… Remember this day forever.” (38:51, 39:49)
• Fanone on ongoing trauma: “There's no end. Like we're still living in the midst of my fucking trauma.” (42:06)

Timeline of Critical Scenes

• 00:09 – 02:14: Body cam audio and police retreat.
• 02:58 – 03:56: NPR explains how the events are being actively rewritten.
• 05:49 – 09:53: The context of 2020—COVID, George Floyd, rise of extremism.
• 13:17 – 13:32: Peter Welch notices organized Proud Boys.
• 18:49 – 19:18: Peace Circle breach, police radio for help.
• 20:42 – 20:48: Pence’s refusal, Trump stokes fury.
• 27:13 – 28:59: Congress under siege, shooting of Ashley Babbitt.
• 32:33 – 34:50: Officers’ battle in the tunnel described as “medieval.”
• 38:51 – 39:49: Trump’s video to supporters, crowd reactions.
• 40:24 – 40:40: Congress resumes, democracy “won the day.”
• 42:06 – 42:21: Officer Fanone reflects on ongoing trauma.

Conclusion

This episode is a raw, unvarnished account of one of the most traumatic days in recent American history. It painstakingly stages the riot from multiple perspectives—officer, rioter, congressman. The episode explores the roots of the violence and the continuing fallout, both in the personal traumas of those involved and in the wider political efforts to control the historical record.

Next episode: The podcast will continue with the story of the Justice Department’s investigation and the subsequent efforts to rewrite the history of January 6th.