RI Lawmakers Mark 1-Year Anniversary Of Capitol Insurrection

PROVIDENCE, RI — One year since violent rioters breached the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overthrow the 2020 presidential election, Rhode Island lawmakers are marking the somber anniversary.

Below, see the statements issued by Rhode Island lawmakers.

Senator Jack Reed

The Jan 6 assault on the US Capitol was an attack on democracy itself. The best way to defend U.S. against forces seeking to undermine our right to free, fair self-government is to transparently pursue the facts, ensure accountability and uphold Constitutional principles that unite us all.

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse

One year ago today, I watched from the window in my Capitol office as insurrectionists sent by the former President launched an assault to stop Congress from certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Today, I’m thinking of the United States Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police, and all of the law enforcement officers who lost their lives or were injured protecting our Capitol. We owe them all a debt of gratitude for their bravery and service.

We still need to fully understand what took place that day. It’s not enough for law enforcement to prosecute the looters and trespassers who breached the Capitol. The House’s Select Committee and the Department of Justice must follow the money. That means investigating the ringleaders — funded by the right-wing dark-money apparatus — who spread the former President’s lies and fomented the violence on January 6th.

That night, democracy ultimately prevailed. But threats remain. Republican officials across the country are restricting access to the ballot box and attacking the integrity of our electoral system.

Congress ought to come together once again to strengthen the right to vote and end the scourge of dark money that corrupts our politics. If Republicans continue to obstruct this important work, my Democratic colleagues and I will confront these threats on our own. Our democracy depends on it.”

Congressman David Cicilline

Looking back on January 6, remembering watching the insurrection unfold with my staff. A year later our democracy stands bc of the strength and resilience of the American people and the heroism of Capitol Police, DC police, and others who came to help.

Congressman Jim Langevin

One year ago today, an assault was waged on the United States Capitol – the likes of which we have not seen since 1814. When we cut through all of the conspiracy theories, there is a set of facts that we know to be true. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Inspired by former President Trump’s Big Lie, a violent mob breached the U.S. Capitol, intent on preventing the certification of the 2020 presidential election. They assaulted police officers, called for the death of Vice President Mike Pence, and hunted through the hallways in search of my colleagues. January 6th was not just an attack on the Capitol – it was a direct assault on our democracy.

Thanks to the brave men and women in law enforcement, the mob failed, and Congress reconvened to certify the election results and ensure a peaceful transition of power.

But as we move forward, we cannot forget how close the mob came to destroying the values this country was founded on. I will continue to support the work of the January 6th Select Committee, so we can get to the bottom of what happened that day and prevent something like January 6th from ever happening again. Our democracy depends on it.