UPDATE: A new book by author and ethnographer Noelle Cook, titled The Conspiracists: Women, Extremism, and the Lure of Belonging, is set to be released on January 6, 2025, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of the Capitol riot. This urgent work explores the rise of women in extremist movements, particularly during the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, when rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a bid to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Cook’s firsthand account begins with her shocking experience in Washington, D.C., where she witnessed the aftermath of the riot, including the removal of Ashli Babbitt, an Air Force veteran who was shot by police while trying to breach a secure area of the Capitol. Though she arrived as an observer, Cook quickly found herself drawn into the complex narratives surrounding the women involved in the uprising.
In her book, Cook focuses on the stories of two women, Yvonne St. Cyr and Tammy Butry, both of whom were integral to the mob that entered the Capitol. St. Cyr was seen leading a crowd through the tunnels, while Butry proudly donned a Trump flag as a cape, capturing selfies amidst the chaos. The stark contrast between their actions and the failed attempt to halt the certification of President Joe Biden underscores a troubling trend: many women, particularly those in middle age, are increasingly drawn to extremist ideologies.
Cook reveals that personal trauma and isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic have made these women more vulnerable to conspiracy theories. “Most of these women don’t have that much opportunity to socialize anymore, and they get their community online,” Cook explains. The pandemic fueled their engagement with online groups, where they found validation and a sense of belonging.
As Cook delves deeper into these women’s lives, she highlights an unsettling reality: “I have not talked to anybody personally who regrets that day.” Many participants feel vindicated, especially after the actions of former President Donald Trump, who pardoned nearly 1,600 January 6 defendants on his first day back in office. This act has further emboldened those who participated in the riot.
Cook’s work examines how the intertwining of personal and political trauma creates a fertile ground for conspiracy theories to thrive. She notes that many conspiracists, particularly those aligned with QAnon, are energized by perceived affirmations from authority figures. “It’s a wink and a nod all the time,” she states, emphasizing the dangerous cycle of validation that sustains extremist beliefs.
The emotional depth of her research is starkly evident as Cook observes that changing these beliefs is challenging. “What you’re asking people to do is take away their daily purpose,” she notes. Convincing individuals to abandon deeply held beliefs often requires a personal crisis, as seen in the case of Erica Roach, a former QAnon adherent who distanced herself from the movement after January 6.
With the release of The Conspiracists on January 6, 2025, Cook aims to shed light on the often-overlooked role of women in extremist movements. This book serves as both a cautionary tale and a call to action, urging society to understand the complex factors driving individuals toward radical ideologies.
Stay tuned for more updates on the release and findings of The Conspiracists, and how it reflects the ongoing impact of January 6 on American society.
