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Sarah Ferguson returns to FOUR CORNERS for special investigation into final days of Trump Presidency

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On January 6 supporters of Donald Trump converged on the American capital.

The President was still refusing to concede defeat and for his supporters it was a now or never moment to act.  As lawmakers gathered to certify the election results, Trump’s inflammatory “stop the steal” rhetoric created a fevered atmosphere.

“We’ve always had right wing wacko fringe groups in this country, but they have been brought out, if you will, and encouraged, by our erstwhile President. And this all came to a head on January 6th.”  Former intelligence director

That day, incited by the outgoing President, the most sacred symbol of American democracy was stormed by an angry mob unleashing violence and destruction.   

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“It was unreal, and I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I kept asking myself, ‘Is this what I’m seeing, really, what’s going on here?”  Frontline photographer

On Monday, Four Corners delivers a gripping account of the insurrection as it unfolded, told by those who were there.

“I thought there was actually somebody dead next to me. So I called for a medic and I waited for the people to resuscitate him, and then I made my way up to the balcony level and that’s when I saw what was going on inside. But I could hear the screaming, the fighting, I saw pepper spray everywhere and I saw shields coming out.”  Photographer

Eyewitnesses in vantage points around the Capitol building describe how the riot gathered pace and how close the mob came to reaching the politicians trapped inside. 

“It seemed to me that the crowd recognised that particular groups of people who all had similar uniforms, sort of this combat gear, Kevlar helmets, were a special group of people coming to do a special kind of thing.”  Photographer

In her return to Four Corners, reporter Sarah Ferguson confronts some of those who answered the President’s call to overturn the election result. 

“Did you send members of the Proud Boys into the Capitol to lynch members of the government?”  Sarah Ferguson

Some of those who loyally served Donald Trump at the very highest level watched on in disbelief and horror.

“None of us signed up for insurrection. We signed up for lower taxes and deregulation, and fewer involvements overseas…I think it’s going to colour his legacy forever. Which is one of the things that disappoints so many of us that worked so hard with him and for him.”  Former senior member of the Trump administration.

In the aftermath, many have asked ‘how could this have happened?’        

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It came as no surprise to some of those who watched the Trump presidency closely.  

“We’ve had four years of lies and fabrications and conspiracy theories. I think we should have known that something like this was going to happen.”  Former intelligence director

As President Joe Biden takes charge, the Republican party is grappling with its political future.   Defeated, disgraced, and now twice-impeached, Donald Trump may be out of office, but the anger he unleashed continues to threaten and America is watching for his next move.

Monday is the season return for Four Corners as the program celebrates its 60th year.

Downfall, reported by Sarah Ferguson, goes to air on Monday 1st February at 8.30pm on ABC.

It is replayed on Tuesday 2nd February at 10.00am and Wednesday 3rd February at 11.20pm. It can also be seen on ABC NEWS channel on Saturday at 8.10pm AEST, ABC iview and at abc.net.au/4corners.

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