House Democrats, one GOP lawmaker mark Jan. 6 attack
House Democrats — and one Republican — stopped for a brief but emotional ceremony to mark the second anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
Gathering on the House steps with the families of officers who lost their lives in connection with the riots, lawmakers honored fallen officers as well as those wounded in the long battle with those who stormed the Capitol.
“The January 6 uprising shook our republic to the core. For many in Congress and across our country, the physical, psychological and emotional wounds are still raw. Yet out of the unspeakable horror came an incredible heroism. “Law enforcement heroes faced down insurgents to protect the Capitol, Congress and our Constitution, and it is with great respect and admiration that we join families this morning,” said former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D – Calif.).
“Thank you to the families who deemed us worthy to share your pain, to honor your loss.”
Family members or representatives read the names of each officer who died in connection with the riots: Capitol Police Officers Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood, and Metropolitan Police Officers Jeffrey Smith, Gunther Hashida and Kyle DeFreytag.
The family of Billy Evans, a Capitol Police officer who was killed after a man crashed into Capitol barricades and pulled a knife on officers, was also in attendance, his name read aloud by his two sons small.
The memorial was held as the GOP majority gathered for a call to discuss a pending twelfth vote to determine who will serve as speaker of the House.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) appeared to be the only Republican in attendance at the Jan. 6 commemoration.
Lawmakers observed a 140-second moment of silence, one second for each officer wounded in the attack, pauses that left audible tears and gasps from elected officials as well as those in the crowd.
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“We stand here today with our democracy intact because of those officers. Violent insurgents attacked the Capitol and attempted to stop the peaceful transfer of power, a cornerstone of our republic. They failed. They failed because of the bravery and bravery of the United States Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers who fought heroically to protect our democracy,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (DN.Y. ).
“We will never forget their sacrifice and we will never forget this day.”
