Capitol Attack: 4 other times the U.S. Congress faced violent threats in history Before Jan. 6, 2021
Before the January 6 Capitol riot, the U.S. Congress faced four significant attacks in history, ranging from foreign invasions to politically motivated bombings. This article explores these pivotal events and their impact.
The attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, marked a significant moment in modern American history, symbolizing a direct assault on democracy. However, this was not the first time Congress has been the target of violence. Over the years, the Capitol has faced multiple attacks, each reflecting the political and social tensions of its time.
From foreign invasions to politically motivated bombings and armed assaults, these events remind us that threats to democracy are not a new phenomenon. This article explores four other instances in history when the U.S. Congress was violently attacked, shedding light on the circumstances and consequences of each event.
What are other events the US Capitol was under attack?
1. The British Burning of the Capitol – 1814
In August 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces invaded Washington, D.C., and set fire to multiple buildings, including the U.S. Capitol. The attack was a retaliation for American forces burning the city of York (now Toronto). While much of the Capitol was damaged, a heavy rainstorm prevented its complete destruction. This event remains the only instance of a foreign power successfully capturing and occupying Washington, D.C.
2. The 1915 Senate Bombing by Erich Muenter
On July 2, 1915, Erich Muenter, a former German professor at Harvard University, planted dynamite in the Senate reception room. The explosion caused significant damage but resulted in no casualties. Muenter’s motive was to protest U.S. financial support for Britain during World War I. He later turned himself in but died while in custody.
3. Armed Attack by Puerto Rican Nationalists – 1954
On March 1, 1954, four Puerto Rican nationalists—Lolita Lebrón, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Andrés Figueroa Cordero, and Irvin Flores Rodríguez—opened fire from the visitor gallery of the House of Representatives. They unfurled a Puerto Rican flag and demanded independence for the island. Five congressmen were wounded in the attack, though all survived. The attackers were later arrested, and their sentences were eventually commuted.
4. The Weather Underground Bombing – 1971
In March 1971, the Weather Underground, a left-wing militant group, planted a bomb in a restroom near the Senate chamber. The group claimed the attack was in protest of U.S. military involvement in Laos. Although no one was injured due to a warning that allowed the building to be evacuated, the explosion caused significant property damage.
DOJ considers charging 200 people 4 years after Jan. 6 Capitol attack
The Justice Department is considering charging up to 200 more people for their role involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the US Capitol, a report says.
According to Politico and Fox News, the new figures released Monday on the 4-year anniversary of the incident include 60 people suspected of assaulting or impeding police officers.
The Capitol Attack on Jan. 6, 2021 has divided America since then. Photo: DW.
With just two weeks remaining until President-elect Trump assumes office, he previously stated in a December interview with NBC that he intended to pardon Jan. 6 participants on his first day in office. Trump also expressed that members of the Jan. 6 congressional committee should be jailed.
"I’m going to review everything. We’ll evaluate individual cases," Trump said during the interview. "But I plan to act very swiftly."
Until now, around 1,600 people so far have faced federal charges relating to the breach of the US Capitol, including more than 600 who allegedly assaulted or resisted police, Politico reported.