[5] In November and December 2020, there were nighttime clashes and street scuffles in Washington, D.C. between Trump supporters who refused to accept the president's defeat, including the Proud Boys, and counterprotesters.

[5][23][24] On January 6—the day when Congress formally counts the electoral votes—Trump supporters gathered for the "Save America" rally where attendees heard speeches from President Trump and his personal lawyer, former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani.

[35][36] State-level officials including Maryland Lieutenant Governor Boyd Rutherford supported impeachment,[37] and representatives called on Vice President Mike Pence to remove Trump via the Twenty-fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution.

[38][39] Trump continued to face backlash in the days following and, due to his use of social media to encourage his supporters' protests and violence, was eventually restricted or banned from most online platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and his preferred Twitter.

[46] Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon suggested that Trump begin his second term of office by ordering the executions of Dr. Anthony Fauci and FBI Director Christopher A. Wray as "a warning to federal bureaucrats".

[101] Rioters invaded the offices of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, flipping tables and ripping photos from walls; there was looting in the Capitol.

[102][103] The Capitol was locked down, the Senate and House recessed from their discussions about the electoral count, and Vice President Pence was "whisked away" from the chamber.

ABC News reported shooting in the Capitol building and an armed standoff at the front door of the House chambers.

[37][38][39] Congresswoman Cori Bush introduced a resolution to investigate and expel Republican House members who had supported challenging election results, asserting they had broken their oath of office.

Pro-Trump events were held without incident in Indiana,[132] Minnesota,[133] Nevada,[134] Nebraska,[135] Ohio,[136] Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

[137] The FBI reported that protests were being planned for all U.S. state capitols (and Washington) likely January 16–20, the 17th being symbolic to QAnon and the 20th Inauguration Day.