Reflecting on Five Years Since January 6: A Commitment to Democracy and the Fight for Our Nation’s Future
January 6, 2026, marked a somber and significant milestone in American history—five years since the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, a day that tested the very foundation of our democracy. As I stood on the steps of the Capitol, surrounded by my Democratic colleagues and a group of passionate citizens, I felt a sense of both deep sorrow and renewed resolve. We gathered not just to remember the chaos of that day, but to reflect on how far we have come and how much work remains ahead in the fight to preserve the ideals upon which our country was founded.
The events of January 6, 2021, will forever be etched in our memories as a dark chapter in our nation’s history. That day, the peaceful transfer of power was violently interrupted, and the Capitol—symbol of the people’s power—was breached by individuals whose intent was to undermine the very essence of our democracy. Five years later, the pain and trauma of that day still resonate, but so does our collective commitment to never allow such an assault on our democratic institutions to go unchecked.
As I stood at the Capitol steps, I couldn’t help but reflect on what we’ve learned from that day and how, despite the darkness, we are stronger for it. My colleagues and I, and so many others across the nation, have made a solemn vow to continue the work of protecting and upholding democracy, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope and freedom not just for ourselves, but for future generations. The January 6 insurrection was not just an attack on the Capitol; it was an attack on the very principles of our democracy. And five years later, we must remain vigilant in defending the institutions, rights, and freedoms that make our democracy enduring.
The Day That Shook America: January 6, 2021
The events that unfolded on January 6, 2021, were unlike anything America had seen in modern history. As Congress met to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election, a mob—incited by false claims of election fraud—stormed the Capitol, overwhelming law enforcement and disrupting the democratic process. The insurrectionists vandalized offices, broke windows, and spread chaos within the halls of government, all while the lives of members of Congress and Capitol staff were put in danger.
The violence was shocking, but perhaps what was even more unsettling was the apparent willingness to disrupt the very foundation of our republic. What should have been a peaceful, ceremonial process became a violent attempt to subvert the will of the American people. The attack was not just a threat to our elected officials; it was a threat to the heart of American democracy itself.
As the insurrectionists breached the Capitol, my colleagues and I were forced to take cover, not knowing what would happen next. In the midst of the chaos, there was an overwhelming sense of disbelief. How could this happen in the United States of America? This was supposed to be a nation where the peaceful transfer of power was a given, not a vulnerability. And yet, here we were, facing an assault on our very system of governance.
The attack on the Capitol was a brutal reminder that the fight for democracy is never over. It’s a battle that requires constant vigilance, sacrifice, and commitment. It was a call to action—a reminder that those who believe in the ideals of freedom and justice must stand united against any force that seeks to dismantle our democratic institutions.
Our Resolve: Standing Up for Democracy
In the aftermath of January 6, the path forward seemed unclear. The nation was deeply divided, and many questioned whether we could heal the wounds inflicted by the insurrection. But as my Democratic colleagues and I stood together on the Capitol steps today, five years later, I couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of hope.
We’ve made progress. We’ve fought to ensure accountability for those who participated in the insurrection and those who incited it. We’ve passed legislation aimed at securing our elections, protecting voting rights, and restoring trust in our democratic institutions. And, perhaps most importantly, we’ve kept our commitment to democracy at the forefront of our work, ensuring that the will of the people is upheld and protected at every turn.
But the work is far from done.
While we have made strides in holding those responsible for the January 6 attack accountable, the underlying forces that fueled the insurrection still exist. Misinformation continues to spread, and there are those who seek to undermine the very principles of democracy for political gain. This is why our work to defend democracy must continue. It is not enough to pass legislation or hold hearings—we must also fight against the erosion of democratic norms, the spread of falsehoods, and the attempts to disenfranchise voters.
We must ensure that the Capitol remains a symbol of democracy, not a target for those who seek to undermine it. We must protect the integrity of our elections and safeguard the rights of every American to have their voice heard. And we must continue to stand up to the forces of division and hate that threaten to tear us apart. This is our duty, and we will not shy away from it.
Honoring the Lives Affected: The Victims of January 6
As we reflect on the events of January 6, we must also honor the lives that were forever changed that day. The members of law enforcement who bravely defended the Capitol, the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone inside, and the families of those who suffered both physically and emotionally deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.
The Capitol Police officers who put their lives on the line that day, including Officer Brian Sicknick, who tragically lost his life, are heroes. They are the true defenders of democracy, standing guard at the gates of our nation’s government. Their bravery is a testament to the resilience of the American spirit, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.
We also honor the lives of those who have been affected by the insurrection in more subtle ways. The emotional toll it took on the staff, the security personnel, and the lawmakers who witnessed the violence firsthand cannot be understated. These individuals continue to live with the trauma of that day, and we must provide them with the support and care they deserve.
The attack on January 6 was not just an assault on our institutions—it was an assault on the people who serve them. It was an attack on those who dedicate their lives to public service, to upholding the laws and principles that make this country great. As we move forward, we must ensure that these individuals are never forgotten, and that their sacrifices are honored with the respect and dignity they deserve.
The Road Ahead: Strengthening Democracy for Future Generations
As we reflect on the lessons of January 6 and the progress we’ve made over the past five years, it’s important to recognize that the fight for democracy is ongoing. Our work is not done. We must remain vigilant, continue to pass laws that protect voting rights and secure our elections, and stand firm against those who seek to undermine our democratic institutions.
It’s also vital that we work to restore trust in our government and in our political institutions. This means combating the spread of misinformation and disinformation, supporting transparency in government, and ensuring that all voices are heard in the political process. We must foster a culture of civility and mutual respect, where ideological differences are resolved through dialogue, not violence.
The road ahead will not be easy. But as I stand with my colleagues on the Capitol steps today, I know that our resolve is stronger than ever. We will not allow the events of January 6 to define us. Instead, we will let them serve as a reminder of what is at stake—the future of our democracy, the future of our nation, and the future of every American who believes in the promise of freedom and justice.
We will continue to fight for democracy, for the values that make this nation great, and for the people who rely on us to protect their rights. We will stand firm in our commitment to justice, to truth, and to the enduring ideals that define America. And, together, we will ensure that the lessons of January 6 are not forgotten, but that they inspire us to build a better, stronger future for all.
A Renewed Commitment to the American Dream
Five years after the January 6 insurrection, we stand not in fear, but in unwavering strength. Our democracy has faced its darkest hour, but it has also emerged more determined than ever to continue the work of ensuring liberty and justice for all. As we look ahead, we must continue to be vigilant, to challenge the forces that seek to undermine our rights, and to champion the values that have always defined us.
On this day, as we gather to reflect on the past and honor the future, I am reminded of the words of the late Congressman John Lewis: “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent change agent you have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” It is through our actions, our voices, and our unwavering belief in democracy that we will continue to build the country that future generations deserve.
