January 6th

On January 6, 2021, I traveled to Washington, D.C., to document what had been organized as a rally near the White House. By early afternoon, the crowd had moved toward the Capitol. What followed was unlike anything witnessed at the seat of American government in modern history.

Protesters breached the perimeter, pushed past police lines, and entered the Capitol building while Congress was in session certifying the presidential election. Tear gas and pepper spray filled the air. Windows were broken. Offices were entered. The building was occupied for several hours before law enforcement regained control.

I documented what I saw from inside the crowd and along the perimeter — the escalation, the confrontations with police, and the chaos that followed. Several people were injured. One woman was shot and killed inside the building. The proceedings were halted, lawmakers were evacuated, and for hours, the Capitol was in the hands of the crowd.

American photographer Alexander Carrigg recounts his experience covering and documenting January 6th.