Here is that truth, as I see it: J6 wasn’t an insurrection or a failed coup. The people who engaged in that behavior weren’t even close to being capable of carrying out the hyperbolic scenarios portrayed in the media. What is often overlooked, however, is how they still managed to instill fear in the hearts of those ensconced in the ivory tower of Capitol Hill—reminding them, if only briefly, that they work for the people.
To be clear: the protestors' method was misguided. But the underlying attitude they carried—the sense that it is not only their right but their duty to hold public officials accountable—is something Americans from all political affiliations could take a page from. It’s worth noting that politicians and major media voices quickly seized on January 6 to make an example of those involved, deploying harsh rhetoric and legal measures that sent a strong message: oppose us in any way beyond casting a ballot, and you risk punishment. This response serves as a chilling deterrent against anyone who might, in the future, choose to exercise the kind of direct, forceful accountability that rattles those in power far more than the occasional protest sign or a single vote.
Why, then, do politicians and mainstream news pundits still use the words “insurrection” or “failed coup” when describing those events—even now—despite evidence to the contrary? The FBI’s investigation into the Capitol incident concluded that the violence was not coordinated by any grand coalition of white supremacists, far-right groups, or supporters of former President Donald Trump. Nor was there a plot to overturn the 2020 Presidential Election or take political hostages. The media has relentlessly bombarded us with rhetoric that the incident was a terrorist insurrection—even though there were only two fatalities that day, both of whom were protestors: Rosanne Boyland, who died of an amphetamine overdose, and Ashli Babbitt, a former Air Force veteran who was fatally shot by an officer when attempting to climb through a shattered window. Her death was ruled justifiable homicide, despite her being unarmed. In an era defined by protests against racism and police brutality—especially as it relates to unarmed black citizens—this instance of a black officer shooting a white woman has been met with considerably less public introspection or empathy, a silence which some find ironic.
The real talking point that should dominate discussions of January 6 is the misuse of the term “insurrection.” There was no plan to overthrow the government, no organized preparation to seize power, and American freedom was never genuinely in jeopardy. For major networks to keep calling that day an “insurrection” is irresponsible and a blatant form of gaslighting.
Which brings us neatly to the real truth: ultimately, the events of January 6 have been weaponized for political theatrics, particularly by left-leaning politicians, diverting attention from the shortcomings of the current administration. We should be focusing on how our government fails to deliver the initiatives needed to address the real challenges facing our country today. Yet as long as media hype and sensationalist narratives continue to monopolize public discourse—and as long as genuine, objective truth takes a back seat—American society will remain on a perilous path of regression.
Yes, the January 6 protestors may have been wrong in how they went about voicing their grievances, but their attitude—the stubborn insistence that politicians must be held to account, not just via elections but by directly petitioning the government in person for a redress of grievances—should resonate with every American. The harsh posture adopted by those in power toward these individuals was, in part, a transparent effort to deter future challenges to the political status quo, reinforcing a message that stepping too far out of line can carry grave consequences.
If former President Donald Trump truly wishes to uphold his “America First” ideology, he must seriously consider pardoning those January 6ers who, by any fair assessment, deserve to be freed. If he does not, it will signal a forsaking of the very principle that everyday Americans—not the political elite—form the backbone of this republic. We must not allow the truth to be buried under waves of media sensationalism and fear-based narratives, or we will risk seeing history repeat itself in the worst possible ways.
