The Tale of a Black Photographer Capturing the January 6 Insurrection

Mel D. Cole, a Black photographer and one of five photographers on hand at the Capitol last January 6, details his experiences.

Image of a Black Trump supporter after being pepper-sprayed during the insurrection; Captured by photographer Mel D. Cole

What can happen when you are a seasoned music and entertainment photographer who decides to venture into documenting protests and sociopolitical movements? Well, if you’re Mel D. Cole your new subject of interest will land you as the only Black photographer on the scene at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, capturing iconic and horrifying images of the insurrection.

Cole recently detailed his experiences of taking pictures during the “Stop the Steal” riot/attempted coup for NBC News. He described his voyage to the Capitol as the ‘craziest day’ of his entire life.