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January 6, 2021: When US democracy was shaken to its core

On January 6, 2021, thousands of Americans answered defeated president Donald Trump's call to descend on Washington and protest against the outcome of the presidential election.

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January 6, 2021: When US democracy was shaken to its core

4:17 PM: TRUMP TELLS SUPPORTERS: 'GO HOME'

At 4:17 pm, Trump finally posts a video on his Twitter account.

"I know your pain, I know you're hurt," he says from the White House grounds, before launching into by now familiar falsehoods about election fraud.

"We had an election that was stolen from us. It was a landslide election and everyone knows it, especially the other side. But you have to go home now, we have to have peace."

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January 6, 2021: When US democracy was shaken to its core

6:30 PM: CALM RESTORED

At 6:00 pm, a curfew imposed by the mayor of Washington goes into effect. The demonstrators still on site are dispersed by law enforcement.

Half an hour later, an official announces that the Capitol is once again secure.

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January 6, 2021: When US democracy was shaken to its core

At 8:06 pm, Congress resumes the certification process.

From the chamber floor where members of the pro-Trump mob were parading a few hours earlier, Pence vows: "To those who wreaked havoc in our Capitol today -- you did not win."

At 3:42 am, the election of Joe Biden is officially certified.