Hannah Allam

Hannah Allam, NPR's national security correspondent, shares her firsthand experiences during the January 6th Capitol attack and her journey through reporting on domestic extremism. The discussion dives into the historical roots of extremist violence in the U.S., touching on her memories of the Oklahoma City bombing. Allam highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to combat domestic terrorism amid political polarization. She calls for a balanced understanding of extremism, addressing both right and left-wing movements in today's landscape.

Hannah Alam, an NPR reporter who covered extremism, and Erin Schaaf, a New York Times photographer present during the Capitol siege, share gripping firsthand accounts of January 6th. They delve into the chaotic buildup to the siege, revealing the charged emotions and ideologies behind the crowd. Alam recounts the surreal experience of chaos inside the Capitol, while Schaaf highlights the fear and urgency faced by journalists and lawmakers. Together, they explore the profound implications for national security and the emotional toll of that historic day.