Three Years Later, What Do Americans Think About the Jan. 6 Capitol Riot?

As the anniversary of the January 6 Capitol Riot approaches, outlets and pollsters are gauging how public opinion has shifted in the three years since the incident.

Perception of Rioters: A Suffolk University/USA Today poll found an increase in people holding a positive perception of the rioters. In the immediate aftermath of the riot, a Suffolk poll found that 70% of voters believed the rioters were criminals. That number now sits at 48%. Of those polled, 6% deemed the rioter’s actions “justified,” up from 2% in the immediate aftermath.

FBI Involvement? A Washington Post-University of Maryland poll found that 25% of respondents believe the FBI “probably” or “definitely” played a role in instigating the riot. Of those believing the FBI was involved, 45% believe there is “solid evidence” backing this claim, and 53% say it is their “suspicion only.” Broken down by party, 34% of Republicans polled believe the FBI instigated the riot, compared to 30% of Independents and 13% of Democrats. An article from the Washington Post (Lean Left bias) labeled these claims “a false concept promoted by right-wing media and repeatedly denied by federal law enforcement.”

Trump’s Responsibility: That same Washington Post-University of Maryland poll found a cross-partisan decline in the number of people who believe former President Donald Trump deserves either “a great deal” or “a good amount” of blame for the riots. Just over half of respondents believe Trump bears responsibility for the riot, down from 60% in the immediate aftermath.