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Two years ago, on January 6, 2021, a crowd of thousands attacked the United States Capitol in an effort to stop the certification of the 2020 election results, spurred on by false claims the election had been “rigged” against Republican incumbent Donald Trump.

Washington, January 6 (RHC)-- Two years ago, on January 6, 2021, a crowd of thousands attacked the United States Capitol in an effort to stop the certification of the 2020 election results, spurred on by false claims the election had been “rigged” against Republican incumbent Donald Trump.

More than 2,000 people entered the Capitol building, smashing windows, ransacking offices, defecating in public spaces and searching for members of Congress.  The assault was ultimately unsuccessful but it has set off alarm bells about the stability of US democracy and the growing influence of anti-democratic elements within the Republican Party.

The U.S. continues to grapple with the fallout from the attack.  More than 950 people have been charged with federal crimes relating to the riot, with some facing accusations of seditious conspiracy -- a rare but serious offense.

The U.S. Department of Justice said that 192 of those defendants have been sentenced to time behind bars and 484 have pleaded guilty to various crimes.  An investigative committee in the U.S. House of Representatives recommended criminal charges last month for key political figures linked to the attack, including Trump who was presiding at the time and encouraged the rioters.