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Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th
The definitive, unbiased account of the twenty-four hours surrounding the historic January 6th attack on the Capitol
The January 6th insurrection was a stunning and unprecedented attack on the center of American government. Unlike previous national traumas that united the country in the face of turmoil, the siege has only further divided Americans, as many continue to dispute the facts and downplay its significance.
In Storm at the Capitol, Mary Clare Jalonick delivers a deeply reported and definitive account of the violence at the Capitol told through firsthand narratives—from the rioters themselves and the police who fought them, to the lawmakers who fled the violence, and the staff, workers, and reporters who were there that day, including Jalonick herself. Her retelling begins in the predawn hours of January 6th, as Trump’s supporters travel to Washington, some with plans for violence, and ends in the early morning hours of January 7th, after Vice President Mike Pence slams his gavel on the House rostrum and declares Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election.
A vivid, terrifying, and human portrait, Storm at the Capitol is a riveting listen for anyone who is worried about the future of our democracy.
The January 6th insurrection was a stunning and unprecedented attack on the center of American government. Unlike previous national traumas that united the country in the face of turmoil, the siege has only further divided Americans, as many continue to dispute the facts and downplay its significance.
In Storm at the Capitol, Mary Clare Jalonick delivers a deeply reported and definitive account of the violence at the Capitol told through firsthand narratives—from the rioters themselves and the police who fought them, to the lawmakers who fled the violence, and the staff, workers, and reporters who were there that day, including Jalonick herself. Her retelling begins in the predawn hours of January 6th, as Trump’s supporters travel to Washington, some with plans for violence, and ends in the early morning hours of January 7th, after Vice President Mike Pence slams his gavel on the House rostrum and declares Joe Biden the winner of the 2020 presidential election.
A vivid, terrifying, and human portrait, Storm at the Capitol is a riveting listen for anyone who is worried about the future of our democracy.
336 pages, Hardcover
Published January 6, 2026
36 people are currently reading
2915 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 6, 2026
I love an oral history and this one is pretty good and engaging. Jalonick gives you a strong sense of what happened that day and connects with all major parties involved. There are some really unputdownable sections. She nails the tone and intensity mostly. I wish she had fleshed the book out with more voices of less integral people (a taxi driver who dropped off protestors, the hotel clerk who checked people in after the events, family watching from home, on air journalists covering and comprehending in real time, janitorial staff, etc) to give the whole day event more context and diversity of place and thought. I also wish the book went more into the fall out of the day and the changing of narratives.
November 22, 2025
This was a powerful read. I love a well-done oral history. They have a sense of immediacy and the benefit of hearing directly from those involved. I think this will stand as an important part of the historical record, especially with the efforts to reframe 1/6/21 in a more positive light.
I appreciated the variety of voices featured: members of Congress, law enforcement, aides and other workers at the Capitol, media, and those who participated in the riots.
Thanks to NetGalley and Public Affairs Books for granting me permission to read an ARC of this title.
I appreciated the variety of voices featured: members of Congress, law enforcement, aides and other workers at the Capitol, media, and those who participated in the riots.
Thanks to NetGalley and Public Affairs Books for granting me permission to read an ARC of this title.
January 10, 2026
I was given the opportunity from Hachette to listen to this book and I was blown away by not only how the content was presented but also the editing and the clips included from the actual day. You will hear the riot, from people who were there on the ground and some of the representatives. It was broken down minute by minute, hour by hour so you knew exactly where you were in the timeline which I appreciated.
I don’t normally read non-fiction but when I saw this, I knew I needed it. I did have to take a beat when I started to tear up and felt my heart racing. I want to be clear that this is an emotional read, at least for me. This was very well done and I encourage everyone to read or listen to this, especially if you live here in the USA.
I don’t normally read non-fiction but when I saw this, I knew I needed it. I did have to take a beat when I started to tear up and felt my heart racing. I want to be clear that this is an emotional read, at least for me. This was very well done and I encourage everyone to read or listen to this, especially if you live here in the USA.
August 29, 2025
This book is an absolute must read. It is so thorough and detailed and factual, minute by minute. I was fascinated and learned a lot. This minute by minute rundown of everything that happened on January 6th is so vital for everyone to read. I was so impressed at the writing and retelling and admire the author for the research and work it took to put this together.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2026
4.25 / 5 stars
Aside from Jalonick's introduction and concluding remarks, this oral history largely consists of the unadorned words of those who experienced the storming of the Capitol/riot/attempted insurrection/definitely not "day of love" or peaceful protest. We nearly exclusively hear from legislators and staff, reporters, Capitol police officers, and rioters themselves. Although I agree with another reviewer's observation that this book could have been richer if it included the voices of others more peripherally involved (i.e., family, others in DC, etc), this was nonetheless riveting. I was struck anew with how harrowing January 6 was, how much worse it could have gone, and how complicit Trump was in fomenting the toxicity that led to the storming and how little he did to try to call off those terrorizing police officers and lawmakers in his name. After reading it, I was filled with rage and disgust at the whitewashing of January 6 by Trump and his supporters and the fact that the same irresponsible, amoral grifters who advanced and stand by the "stolen election" lie are in the halls of power in our federal government, making a mockery of institutions that should be seeking justice for the most vulnerable, not the most craven and self-serving.
January 9, 2026
Exactly five years later, the excruciatingly violent insurrection on January 6, 2021 still punches me in the gut. I remember where I was and what I was doing here in Washington state as unbelievable events began to be broadcast from the other Washington on the opposite side of the United States.
"Storm at the Capitol" is a straightforward transcript with multiple points of view as January 6, 2021 erupts. Mary Clare Jalonick, an Associated Press journalist who was in the Capitol that day, records the voices of rioters/protesters, police, Congressmembers, their staff, Capitol building employees, reporters, and family members as the destruction and danger escalate, hour by hour. Their personal experiences filled me with dread, grief, and respect, and reminded me why five years later, the aftermath of January 6 is still a ticking time bomb.
"Storm at the Capitol" is a straightforward transcript with multiple points of view as January 6, 2021 erupts. Mary Clare Jalonick, an Associated Press journalist who was in the Capitol that day, records the voices of rioters/protesters, police, Congressmembers, their staff, Capitol building employees, reporters, and family members as the destruction and danger escalate, hour by hour. Their personal experiences filled me with dread, grief, and respect, and reminded me why five years later, the aftermath of January 6 is still a ticking time bomb.
January 9, 2026
This book made me want to scream. Never forget what the liars and fascists did that day and what they continue to do today. Bible thumpers James Lankford and MarkWayne Mullin should be heckled everywhere they go for the rest of their lives. Trump pardoned all the violent monsters from J6 and now they wear the ICE uniform. Disgrace and shame forever.
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January 18, 2026Thank you Hachette Audio for the gifted copy!
I remember feeling horrified as I watched the live coverage of this event in 2021. Time and distance had dulled my feelings, but this oral history reignited my horror, anger, and deep sadness that this event occurred. Told via first-hand accounts from legislators across the aisle, metropolitan police, staffers, and rioters — this was such a broad view and reflected the truths of what happened today. In its aftermath, this event has been whitewashed and rewritten. We cannot forget, and it is our responsibility as a nation to remember.
I remember feeling horrified as I watched the live coverage of this event in 2021. Time and distance had dulled my feelings, but this oral history reignited my horror, anger, and deep sadness that this event occurred. Told via first-hand accounts from legislators across the aisle, metropolitan police, staffers, and rioters — this was such a broad view and reflected the truths of what happened today. In its aftermath, this event has been whitewashed and rewritten. We cannot forget, and it is our responsibility as a nation to remember.
September 16, 2025
***Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this upcoming book***
A required read for everyone to put into perspective how depressing this day was and for anyone looking to read about what it was like being in the capitol on this infamous day
A required read for everyone to put into perspective how depressing this day was and for anyone looking to read about what it was like being in the capitol on this infamous day
January 14, 2026
[5 stars]
Storm at the Capitol is probably the best execution of this book that could exist. Despite the book being an oral history, there are clear story threads to follow and the timeline never gets murky. We follow the lawmakers in the capitol, their staff members and members of the press hiding alongside them, the Capitol Police and DC Metropolitan Police who protected them, and many of the rioters themselves. It is genuinely such an impressive execution of the subject matter. There’s a rhythm that Jalonick finds where she rotates through these main groups that works so well for both readability and emotions. It’s hard for me to make comparisons, as I have not read any other “oral history” books, but I never felt as though I was losing anything compared to had I picked up a more traditional history book on the subject, if that makes sense.
This is an oral history which means that it goes minute by minute and it is nearly entirely made up of quote after quote from various parties with only brief interruptions by the author (other than the introduction and her own chapter to briefly recall her own experience on Jan 6th) to either give context to a following quotation (such as specifying a politicians relationship to another who they are going to mention), moving the timeline forward, or rotating to a different party at the same time. Definitely still good and so, so vital to learn what happened that day from all possible points of view.
This book is gritty, violent, and emotional at many points. The exhausting and painful words of the police officers, the fear yet knowledge that they still need to do their jobs by the lawmakers and press, and the exhilaration of the rioters are all palpable. There were so many moments of needing to pause for a moment yet simultaneously not being able to put it down.
Though there is a bit of a slow start - as all pieces need to be established before we can advance - it ramps up quickly. Such a high recommendation for all Americans to read to avoid falling into the narrative that Jan 6 “wasn’t a big deal”.
“A year or so after January 6th, there was a popular narrative - not just among Republicans - that the attack on the Capitol would fade into history and that people wouldn’t want to read about it. I never believed that.”
Storm at the Capitol is probably the best execution of this book that could exist. Despite the book being an oral history, there are clear story threads to follow and the timeline never gets murky. We follow the lawmakers in the capitol, their staff members and members of the press hiding alongside them, the Capitol Police and DC Metropolitan Police who protected them, and many of the rioters themselves. It is genuinely such an impressive execution of the subject matter. There’s a rhythm that Jalonick finds where she rotates through these main groups that works so well for both readability and emotions. It’s hard for me to make comparisons, as I have not read any other “oral history” books, but I never felt as though I was losing anything compared to had I picked up a more traditional history book on the subject, if that makes sense.
This is an oral history which means that it goes minute by minute and it is nearly entirely made up of quote after quote from various parties with only brief interruptions by the author (other than the introduction and her own chapter to briefly recall her own experience on Jan 6th) to either give context to a following quotation (such as specifying a politicians relationship to another who they are going to mention), moving the timeline forward, or rotating to a different party at the same time. Definitely still good and so, so vital to learn what happened that day from all possible points of view.
This book is gritty, violent, and emotional at many points. The exhausting and painful words of the police officers, the fear yet knowledge that they still need to do their jobs by the lawmakers and press, and the exhilaration of the rioters are all palpable. There were so many moments of needing to pause for a moment yet simultaneously not being able to put it down.
Though there is a bit of a slow start - as all pieces need to be established before we can advance - it ramps up quickly. Such a high recommendation for all Americans to read to avoid falling into the narrative that Jan 6 “wasn’t a big deal”.
“I think it's important for everybody to remember that the main reason rioters didn't harm any members of Congress was because they didn't encounter any members of Congress” - Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-FL - 6:00 PM
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A gripping and propulsive book that's equal to the monumental task of detailing one of the most consequential events in modern American history; Storm at the Capitol is the definitive book on January 6th.
I remember watching January 6th happen on Twitter before Musk fully destroyed the platform. The shock, outrage, and disbelief I felt then is as palpable now as it were nearly five years ago. How could a sitting president actively try to block the peaceful transition of power? How could our nation's capitol be overrun by a violent mob while the world watched on? How could such an event be almost immediately sanitized and downplayed into oblivion despite the mountains of evidence for how serious it was?
If, like me, you're still grappling with these questions, this is an excellent book for you. The author skillfully outlines the day's events hour by hour and lets the people who were at the center of it all, Capitol police, members of congress, the rioters, etc. share their perspectives in their own words. Hearing from people who lived through it gives this book an impact most history books can't quite match. Not only is it emotionally impactfull, its incredibly informative. Below are just a few examples of new things I learned while reading. Many of the Capitol police on the front lines that day were sure they were going to be killed, that's how serious and violent the mob was. The members of congress, after being evacuated, went back that same day to certify the election results that same day and ultimately stayed to work until 3am. Even after the violence that day, several GOP congressmen still persisted in the delusion of widespread voter fraud, the same delusion that fueled the attacking mob they were just threatened by.
This is an excellent book on all levels. It's incredibly informative while also being exciting to read. Moreover, the oral history aspect of the work lends a unique angle to sets it apart from the pack. By relying on evidence and the participants' own words, the writing is incredibly effective while also preventing the tone from coming across as preachy. Finally, Storm at the Captiol places the history of that day in its proper context, it never loses sight of how dangerous to our republic that day was and still is.
I remember watching January 6th happen on Twitter before Musk fully destroyed the platform. The shock, outrage, and disbelief I felt then is as palpable now as it were nearly five years ago. How could a sitting president actively try to block the peaceful transition of power? How could our nation's capitol be overrun by a violent mob while the world watched on? How could such an event be almost immediately sanitized and downplayed into oblivion despite the mountains of evidence for how serious it was?
If, like me, you're still grappling with these questions, this is an excellent book for you. The author skillfully outlines the day's events hour by hour and lets the people who were at the center of it all, Capitol police, members of congress, the rioters, etc. share their perspectives in their own words. Hearing from people who lived through it gives this book an impact most history books can't quite match. Not only is it emotionally impactfull, its incredibly informative. Below are just a few examples of new things I learned while reading. Many of the Capitol police on the front lines that day were sure they were going to be killed, that's how serious and violent the mob was. The members of congress, after being evacuated, went back that same day to certify the election results that same day and ultimately stayed to work until 3am. Even after the violence that day, several GOP congressmen still persisted in the delusion of widespread voter fraud, the same delusion that fueled the attacking mob they were just threatened by.
This is an excellent book on all levels. It's incredibly informative while also being exciting to read. Moreover, the oral history aspect of the work lends a unique angle to sets it apart from the pack. By relying on evidence and the participants' own words, the writing is incredibly effective while also preventing the tone from coming across as preachy. Finally, Storm at the Captiol places the history of that day in its proper context, it never loses sight of how dangerous to our republic that day was and still is.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Public Affairs for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Whoa. I’m going to try to write this review, even though after finishing Storm at the Capitol, I have no words. How the hell was this not the end to the madness in the United States? It was an INSURRECTION on the Senate, House of Representatives, and our very own democracy.
Mary Clare Jalonick interviewed many people, from Senators and Representatives to law enforcement to Insurrectionists, to Vice President Mike Pence and members of the media who were at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. What she compiled is an hour-by-hour breakdown of exactly what happened leading up to the riot, the insurrection, and the morning after.
After coming out on the other side of the book, I’d like to mention a few things. Storm at the Capitol is an incredibly balanced look at the insurrection (sorry, not sorry, it was not a “peaceful protest” as framed by the right.) What doesn’t come from direct quotes is without political commentary (Sorry, not sorry, but I’m NOT going to do that.) There’s a lack of sensationalism that seems amazing for those who saw with our own two eyes the attack on the Capitol.
Storm at the Capitol is a book that should be looked upon as a correct portrait of the day some conspiracy-loving traitors followed the call of their deranged leader and attacked the heart of our democracy. Read it, loan it out to friends and family, buy it for libraries, spread the word. We were not deceived by our on eyes on January 6, 2021. Revisionist history will not win.
Whoa. I’m going to try to write this review, even though after finishing Storm at the Capitol, I have no words. How the hell was this not the end to the madness in the United States? It was an INSURRECTION on the Senate, House of Representatives, and our very own democracy.
Mary Clare Jalonick interviewed many people, from Senators and Representatives to law enforcement to Insurrectionists, to Vice President Mike Pence and members of the media who were at the Capitol on January 6, 2021. What she compiled is an hour-by-hour breakdown of exactly what happened leading up to the riot, the insurrection, and the morning after.
After coming out on the other side of the book, I’d like to mention a few things. Storm at the Capitol is an incredibly balanced look at the insurrection (sorry, not sorry, it was not a “peaceful protest” as framed by the right.) What doesn’t come from direct quotes is without political commentary (Sorry, not sorry, but I’m NOT going to do that.) There’s a lack of sensationalism that seems amazing for those who saw with our own two eyes the attack on the Capitol.
Storm at the Capitol is a book that should be looked upon as a correct portrait of the day some conspiracy-loving traitors followed the call of their deranged leader and attacked the heart of our democracy. Read it, loan it out to friends and family, buy it for libraries, spread the word. We were not deceived by our on eyes on January 6, 2021. Revisionist history will not win.
January 14, 2026
This is an incredible piece of history that we absolutely need in this time of rewriting history. The 'author' (I use quotes purely because the majority of the words are not hers) is a news photographer, and she was at the capitol in the House on January 6th. This book feels almost like a transcript of a documentary, because 85-95% of the book are quotes from people who were at the capitol in some way or another. She interviewed congresspeople, senators, capitol staff, people there to capture the events for news purposes, capitol police, and even some protesters. I would have liked a bit more build up to the events of the day, but this book really does what it can to take a neutral stance and to instead ensure that people who were there could put their words down in a more permanent way. She interviews politicians who voted to challenge the votes, both before and after the riots, and protesters who have both given up the MAGA life and who are still deep within it. This book will be read in history classes decades from now.
Thank you to PublicAffairs and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to PublicAffairs and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 14, 2025
Storm at the Capitol is a fascinating, minute-by-minute oral history of January 6th, told with extraordinary care and detail. Mary Clare Jalonick pulls together dozens of firsthand accounts to paint a vivid picture of what unfolded inside and outside the U.S. Capitol that day.
I won’t lie—it is a dense and sometimes dry read, as many historical nonfiction books are. But it’s also so thorough and so vital that I couldn’t help but be drawn in. The pacing keeps you aware of how fast and terrifying those hours must have felt for everyone involved.
What really impressed me was the balance. Jalonick doesn’t lean into sensationalism or political commentary. Instead, she relies on the words of those who lived it—police officers, lawmakers, staffers, journalists, and even rioters. That choice makes the book powerful and unforgettable.
This is an important book that everyone should read. It’s unsettling, eye-opening, and absolutely necessary to understand what happened and what it means for the future of democracy.
Netgalley ARC reviewer.
I won’t lie—it is a dense and sometimes dry read, as many historical nonfiction books are. But it’s also so thorough and so vital that I couldn’t help but be drawn in. The pacing keeps you aware of how fast and terrifying those hours must have felt for everyone involved.
What really impressed me was the balance. Jalonick doesn’t lean into sensationalism or political commentary. Instead, she relies on the words of those who lived it—police officers, lawmakers, staffers, journalists, and even rioters. That choice makes the book powerful and unforgettable.
This is an important book that everyone should read. It’s unsettling, eye-opening, and absolutely necessary to understand what happened and what it means for the future of democracy.
Netgalley ARC reviewer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and PublicAffairs for the eARC!
This was such a moving book. Jalonick does a great job of laying out the timeline of the day and sharing multiple points of view. I especially appreciated the italicized interludes between sets of quotes that moved the events of the day along.
I can't believe how many people she was able to quote from - granted now all were first-hand interviews with her - some was from court documents and/or news articles.
Jalonick really brought the day to life - I was only in the prologue when I started crying for the first time. She was able to give both the insurrectionists, the politicians (on both sides), the police and other law enforcement officers, and even some reporters' points of view. It was fascinating to hear from such a wide-ranging audience.
This was such a moving book. Jalonick does a great job of laying out the timeline of the day and sharing multiple points of view. I especially appreciated the italicized interludes between sets of quotes that moved the events of the day along.
I can't believe how many people she was able to quote from - granted now all were first-hand interviews with her - some was from court documents and/or news articles.
Jalonick really brought the day to life - I was only in the prologue when I started crying for the first time. She was able to give both the insurrectionists, the politicians (on both sides), the police and other law enforcement officers, and even some reporters' points of view. It was fascinating to hear from such a wide-ranging audience.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An extremely powerful and terrifying account, structured hour by hour, of what happened in and around the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Everything in the book is told by people who were there, along with testimony from court cases that resulted from the events of that day. The words of many members of the House and Senate, both Democrats and Republicans, are included, as well as members of Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies, reporters and photographers who were on the scene, and people who were involved in the rioting. In light of the attempts to revise the truth of what happened that day and the pardons given to those involved, the relentless unfolding of this collection of first-hand accounts is so important.
I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading and hearing a lot from the publisher's publicity campaign in the days and weeks ahead. The book will be released on 1/6/26, five years to the day from the events it covers.
I read an advance copy of this book, provided by the publisher.
I highly recommend this book. I look forward to reading and hearing a lot from the publisher's publicity campaign in the days and weeks ahead. The book will be released on 1/6/26, five years to the day from the events it covers.
I read an advance copy of this book, provided by the publisher.
January 10, 2026
This should be mandatory reading for every American. I remember being stunned in the moment and in the aftermath but as the years have gone by I believe the gravity and seriousness of the day has been stripped away by other political news. The fact that the rioters were pardoned and Donald Trump was elected again is absolutely stunning to me, especially after reading this account which is a fact-based, straightforward, non-partisan account. This book interviews Capitol police, rioters, and Republican and Democrat constituents who were there that day and goes through a minute-by-minute play of everything that went down.
January 11, 2026
I have some pretty strong biases and feelings surrounding this day. Jalonick did an amazing job in recording the events of that day and covered every view with a very even hand. However, for me, that even hand was really hard and seeing the stories from the rioters and some of the members who continue to try to distort the facts made me see red at times. This is a piece that will be important in the future, but as long as other information is known along with it, such as those member stances and how people reacted and changed later.
December 9, 2025
A fascinating oral history of what happened at the Capitol on January 6 hour by hour. I liked that the author included a variety of people including the police, politicians (both Democrats and Republicans), along with people who actually stormed the Capitol. It was a compelling read that made me angry and sad at times.
January 8, 2026
Honestly, this should be required reading.
Also, the audiobook contains actually archival audio which really added to the experience.
Also, the audiobook contains actually archival audio which really added to the experience.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews