"I can remember my breath catching in my throat because what I saw there was a war scene," Caroline Edwards recalled. "Officers on the ground. They were bleeding, throwing up... I was slipping in people's blood."

Edwards is a police officer who guards Washington DC's Capitol. This is where members of  the US CongressThe legislative branch of the American government, where elected representatives vote on which laws should be passed. Congress is made up of two chambers: the Senate, which contains two members from each of the 50 states, and the House of Representatives, which has representatives from 435 smaller districts. make laws. It is the heart of American democracy.

Last year Congress was attacked by a violent crowd supporting former president Donald Trump.

Edwards was left with a traumatic brain injuryAn injury that temporarily or permanently damages the functioning of the brain. This can affect everything from a person's ability to control their muscles to their ability to form memories and words.. Other police officers died.

These events took place on 6 January 2021.

Now they are in the news again because of a big investigation. Many people who saw or took part in the events are giving evidence. Over 1,000 have been interviewed.

"Donald Trump was at the centre of this conspiracy," claimed the chair of the investigation, Representative Bernie Thompson.

President Trump tried to remain in power following his election defeat to Joe Biden on 3 November 2020. He claims that he was the real winner of the election, even though this is a proven lie.

Trump tried many strategies to overturn the results. The march on Congress was the last and most extreme.

The hearings have produced some dramatic moments.

For instance, there was a description of Donald Trump calling for violence against his vice presidentIn the USA, the vice president can take over from the president if they are unable to run the country. , Mike Pence.

The violent crowd was calling for Pence to be hanged. "Maybe our supporters have the right idea," Trump reportedly said.

Trump's opponents claim he is the greatest threat that American democracy has ever faced. "Jan. 6 was the culminationThe point at which a series of events ends. of an attempted coupWhen an individual or group takes control of government by illegal means, including by violence.," Thompson said.

Yet experts say Trump is likely to try to be elected president again. He currently leads President Biden in opinion polls.

Yes: Trump has shown beyond all doubt that he is a dangerous authoritarian with no regard for truth, civil liberties and the rule of law. American democracy just barely survived one term with him in power; it may not survive another.

No: This is a choice for the American people, not judges and politicians: only voters have a right to judge Trump's fitness for office. Banning him from politics would be the true assault on democracy.

Or... This is not just about one man. Authoritarian attitudes are on the rise all over the world and more fundamental solutions are urgently needed for democracy to prevail.