January 6th is a somber and painful day in American history. On this day in 2021, our nation witnessed a violent attack on the United States Capitol—an attempt to overturn the results of a free and fair election and undermine the foundation of our democracy. It stands as one of the darkest days in our history, not only because of the violence but because it was incited by none other than the sitting President of the United States.
As chaos erupted, Members of Congress inside the House chamber were told by police to put on gas masks after tear gas was dispersed in the Capitol Rotunda. Elected officials, staff, and journalists feared for their lives as rioters stormed the building, smashing windows, breaking down doors, and hunting for lawmakers. These insurrectionists called for then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others to be targeted and even chanted for Vice President Mike Pence to be hanged—labeling him a traitor for refusing to overturn the election results.
The responsibility for this horrifying attack lies squarely with Donald Trump. Instead of condemning the violence or calling on his supporters to leave the Capitol, he sat in the White House watching the chaos unfold on television—reportedly enjoying the scene—while the nation reeled in horror.
