The fifth anniversary of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol was marked by starkly contrasting commemorations on Tuesday, with Democratic leaders holding a solemn moment of silence while Congressional Republicans remained largely silent on the day's significance.
Democratic Condemnation and an Unofficial Hearing
Led by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic members of Congress were joined by family members of fallen Capitol Police officers for a moment of remembrance. The Democrats, now in the minority, convened an unofficial hearing to examine the lasting impact of the insurrection.
Hakeem Jeffries delivered a forceful rebuke, accusing former President Donald Trump and far-right allies in Congress of attempting to "rewrite history and whitewash the horrific events." He sharply criticised Trump's decision, upon returning to office nearly a year ago, to pardon almost everyone convicted or charged in connection with the violence. Jeffries noted that some of the roughly 1,500 individuals pardoned had been convicted of other serious offences, calling it a "Trump-inspired crime spree."
Emotional testimony came from former US Capitol Police Officer Winston Pingeon, who described being assaulted by rioters who claimed, "President Trump sent us." He condemned the pardons, stating, "We cannot accept violent felons being pardoned and released back into our neighborhoods without consequence. That is not justice."
Republican Silence and Distortion
In stark contrast, most Republican lawmakers ignored the anniversary. Those who did acknowledge it downplayed the severity of the events that left nine people dead and dozens injured. Republican Congressman Mike Collins posted on social media, inaccurately describing the attack as a day when "thousands of peaceful grandmothers and others" took an "unauthorized tour" of the Capitol.
The Trump administration itself pushed a distorted narrative. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung unveiled a website with a misleading timeline of January 6, which he later described as a "trap" for news outlets. Former President Trump made no public comments on the anniversary.
Protests, Plaques, and Political Fallout
A small group of protesters, some wearing apparel indicating they had received pardons, marched from the White House to the Capitol grounds. They were halted by police but a smaller contingent was later allowed to place flowers in honour of Ashli Babbitt, the rioter fatally shot by police during the insurrection.
The day also reignited a controversy over a commemorative plaque. Congress has legally mandated the installation of a plaque honouring officers who responded to the attack, but Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to install it. Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin urged Johnson to act, saying the plaque was "gathering dust in a closet somewhere."
A rare moment of bipartisan criticism came from Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who is not seeking re-election. While criticising Democrats on other issues, he also took aim at Trump's pardons, warning they sent a dangerous message that politically motivated violence could be excused.
The day underscored the deep and enduring national divide over the events of January 6, 2021, with one side treating it as a foundational threat to democracy and the other minimising its legacy as the political battles of the 2020 election continue to resonate.
