Yes, some January 6th rioters were armed with firearms and other weapons, and they caused significant damage to the U.S. Capitol.

Weapons:

• Court records confirm multiple rioters carried firearms. For example, Christopher Alberts was convicted for carrying a loaded 9mm pistol with 12 rounds on Capitol grounds, and John Banuelos was charged for firing a gun in the air during the riot. Guy Reffitt also brought a handgun, and Lonnie Coffman had a truck with guns, Molotov cocktails, and ammunition nearby.

• Other weapons included tasers, knives, axes, batons, pepper spray, bear spray, baseball bats, flagpoles, hockey sticks, and makeshift weapons like stolen riot shields and office furniture. Over 100 defendants were charged with entering a restricted area with a deadly or dangerous weapon.

• Posts on X claiming “no weapons” or “no guns” are inaccurate, as evidence from prosecutions contradicts this.

Damage:

• The riot caused approximately $2.8–$2.9 million in damage to the Capitol building and grounds. This included smashed windows, broken furniture, looted art, and vandalized offices (e.g., Nancy Pelosi’s office was ransacked, and feces was tracked in hallways).

• Rioters assaulted around 140 police officers, with injuries including cracked ribs, concussions, and chemical burns. One officer, Brian Sicknick, died after being assaulted, and two others died by suicide shortly after.

• Historical items, like the Columbus Doors, were damaged, and the Architect of the Capitol noted significant repair costs.

The claim that the event was unarmed or caused no damage is not supported by evidence from court documents, Justice Department reports, or congressional investigations.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5712611&forum_id=2Elisa#48860475)