Photo by angela n.
From the office of Councilmember Charles Allen:
“The following statement is from DC Councilmember Charles Allen (Ward 6), as the country marks the five-year anniversary of the attack on the US Capitol to prevent the democratic certification of the 2020 US Presidential Election:
“Five years ago today, Ward 6 neighbors, DC residents, and Americans lived through a traumatic attack that shook this country’s very foundations. A mob, rallied by President Trump, attacked the US Capitol to disrupt Congress’ duty to certify the Presidential election results, assaulting the men and women of DC’s Metropolitan Police Department who were the first to answer the call from the US Capitol Police. During the insurrection, more than 100 law enforcement officers were injured, and President Trump notably refused to activate the National Guard. One US Capitol Police officer died from injuries they sustained, and three responding MPD officers and one US Capitol Police officer died by suicide in the months after. The violence placed thousands more in harm’s way. President Trump then granted more than 1,500 pardons to the insurrectionists at the start of his second term. The President’s message is clear: If you support me, the law does not apply to you.
Despite the constant chaos around us these days, we cannot let this dark anniversary pass without remembering that five years ago, while the nation looked on in horror, many Ward 6 neighbors, businesses, and places of worship felt a deep fear that remains with us to this day. And we can draw a straight line from January 6, 2021 to the attack on our national and local democracy happening before our very eyes. We must remember our all-too-recent history and continue to stand against anti-democratic authoritarianism whether it is happening in our backyard or across the world.”