Durbin, Kelly Statements About Fifth Anniversary Of The January 6 Insurrection At The U.S. Capitol

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement marking the fifth anniversary of the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021:

“Five years ago on this day, armed insurrectionists overran the Capitol in a violent attempt to overturn a free and fair election. They did so at the direction of a bitter and defeated President intent on clinging to power by any means possible.

“In the wake of that attack, five law enforcement officers, who defended this body and the ideals it represents, lost their lives and more than 140 officers were injured.

“Unfortunately, this President and his allies have worked to distort and whitewash the reality of that tragic day. On his very first day back in office, President Trump pardoned the more than 1,500 people charged and convicted of offenses related to January 6. Tragically, those pardons were just the start. Over the past year, Trump has suggested the rioters should be compensated for being prosecuted; unlawfully purged the Department of Justice of dozens of career prosecutors and FBI agents who worked on these cases; and filled his administration with loyalists who deny the reality of January 6, including one who attacked our Capitol.

“Violence for political purposes is never acceptable—in any form—and we must not allow it to be normalized. Those who fear the truth or attempt to distort it face a lesson in history. The reality of events will prevail and those who distort it will be relegated to a shameful trash heap reserved for traitors and liars.”

Rep. Kelly Recalls Insurrection On Jan. 6

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) remembered the insurrection on January 6 five years ago, participating in an unofficial hearing held by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08) and U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02), chairman of the former January 6 Select Committee.

“I will never forget crawling on my hands and knees in the House gallery as I escaped violent insurrectionists five years ago. That day, brave Capitol Police Officers saved us from a dangerous mob,” said Rep. Kelly. “In an outrageous decision, President Trump pardoned January 6 insurrectionists. This president does not care for law and order or checks and balances, proven again when he unilaterally decided to force a regime change in Venezuela.

“We need to uphold democratic norms — and condemn anyone who tries to overtake our democracy, including the president. Congress’s job is to oversee the White House, not play second fiddle to a wannabe dictator. It’s beyond time for Republicans to grow a spine and work with us to create a government that works for all people.”

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