WASHINGTON — A calm rests over a snowy Capitol Hill one year removed from unprecedented unrest. On January 6, 2021, rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol building — some reaching the Senate floor — forcing lawmakers to flee in fear.
"There was a great deal of of concern and upset many years ago that with the 20th century when five Puerto Rican nationalists attacked one chamber of Congress, they were all thrown in jail basically for the rest of their lives," said David Super, Georgetown University Law professor. "And that was seen as wild and unprecedented. This is more people. And, of course, it was a much more successful attack and an attack against both chambers of Congress."
Thousands took to the Capitol, fueled by the false narrative that the presidential election was stolen from Donald Trump.
"This is a case of Americans attacking Americans and attacking their own government and the processes set out their constitution," said Super.
The search for accountability continues. More than 700 people have been arrested and more are being sought.
"Those involved must be held accountable," said attorney general Merrick Garland during a press conference Wednesday. "There is no higher priority for the Department of Justice."
Facing criticism for the pace of the investigation, Garland vowed the Justice Department will follow the evidence wherever it leads to any level of government.
"We've seen very large investigations of various things over the years, certainly the investigation of the 9/11 attacks, where it was very extensive," said Super. "But I don't think we've seen this many people charged and prosecuted for taking actions against the very existence of the federal government before so and that sets a precedent."
Around 140 officers were assaulted during the attack. The Capitol Police, criticized for failing to adequately prepare for protests or properly train its officers, say lessons were learned.
"Since the attack on the Capitol, there have been nearly a dozen reports offering over a hundred recommendations on needed improvements and reforms," said Tom Manger, U.S. Capitol Police Chief, during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Lawmakers are still looking for answers. A House select committee to investigate the insurrection including Trump’s actions that day has obtained more than 45,000 documents and questioned more than 300 people. But some Trump confidants are defying subpoenas. One of them, Steve Bannon, has been indicted, and more could be charged.
"We're going to do what we need to do to get all the information not only to lay it out for the American public, but to inform us of what legislative steps we need to take to prevent something like this from being attempted again," said committee member Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-California on CNN on Wednesday.
Top Republicans dismiss the panel as partisan despite participation by two of their own members. Super expects the committee to release its findings this year and, if lawmakers are implicated, potential disciplinary action.