Day of Rage: How Trump Supporters Took the U.S. Capitol (2021)
Day of Rage: How Trump Supporters Took the U.S. Capitol is a 2021 American documentary short film that delves into the January 6 Capitol attack carried out by fervent supporters of former President Donald Trump. The film, reported by The New York Times, provides a comprehensive and chilling account of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
The documentary unfolds as a six-month investigation, meticulously piecing together the chaos and violence that erupted at the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The filmmakers utilize a powerful combination of videos posted on social media by the rioters themselves, police bodycam footage, archived audio from police communications, and news coverage. This multimedia approach paints a vivid and unfiltered picture of the unprecedented assault on democracy.
As viewers, we witness the raw intensity of the mob’s actions, their unyielding determination, and the shocking breach of one of the most iconic symbols of American governance. The film captures the frenzied energy, the fear, and the recklessness that characterized that pivotal day. Through this lens, we gain insight into the motivations, emotions, and sheer audacity of those who stormed the Capitol.
The documentary doesn’t shy away from the consequences either. It lays bare the impact on law enforcement, the lives lost, and the deep scars left on the nation’s psyche. By weaving together various perspectives, it underscores the gravity of the attack and its implications for the future of American democracy.
“Day of Rage: How Trump Supporters Took the U.S. Capitol” received critical acclaim and was shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. Its gripping storytelling and unflinching portrayal of a dark chapter in American history resonated with audiences. The film also garnered prestigious awards, including the Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award and the Peabody Award.
In just 41 minutes, this documentary encapsulates the turmoil, the anger, and the profound impact of that unforgettable day. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the need to confront the forces that threaten it.
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded on January 6, “Day of Rage” provides an unfiltered and haunting perspective—one that reverberates far beyond the walls of the Capitol itself
