67 pages • 2 hours read
107 Days
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Background
Content Warning: This section of the guide feature depictions of violence, death, hate speech, racism, and gender discrimination.
Social Context: The “Stolen” 2024 Presidential Election and the January 6 Riot on the Capitol
In 2020, former Vice President Joseph “Joe” Biden beat incumbent President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States. Trump, however, made numerous unfounded claims of voter fraud, claiming he had actually won the election. This led to Trump supporters’ belief that the election was “stolen,” and that Biden’s presidential win was invalid.
In a speech given on January 6, 2021, Trump encouraged a group of his supporters to storm the US Capitol, where Congress was attempting to certify the results of the election. The protest outside the Capitol turned into a riot, with Trump supporters storming the building, breaking windows, and trapping lawmakers in their offices. One police officer defending the building was shot and killed. Trump was later impeached for his role in what many consider an attempted coup. However, he was acquitted by the Senate, which allowed him to seek reelection.
The January 6 riot became a major topic in the American media, with some considering it a violation the Constitution and others considering it a stand for freedom. A number of states challenged Trump’s candidacy under the 14th Amendment, which prohibits individuals who have participated in insurrection or rebellion from holding any office.
