Rep. Sherrill Statement on Third Anniversary of January 6 Insurrection
Parsippany, NJ— Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement reflecting on the attack on the U.S. Capitol that took place January 6, 2021.
“The peaceful transition of power is a cornerstone of democracy, a tradition conducted even in the most divided times of American history. The first time I began to fear this would not happen was July 2020, after President Trump attempted to call up the military to break up peaceful Black Lives Matter protests that summer. He clearly had no qualms about misusing the military to achieve his desired outcome. I asked myself, ‘What would prevent him from utilizing our military as his own personal militia in an attempt to stay in power if he lost the 2020 election?’
My worst fears came to fruition on January 6. As the election certification process got underway, a mob sent by President Trump attacked law enforcement officers, smashed windows, defiled hallways and offices.
Despite what Washington Republicans say as they try to sweep the events of this day under the rug, the events of January 6, 2021 still matter and cast a profound shadow on our government, especially with another presidential election only months away. The threat to our Republic remains as serious as it did in the months and weeks leading up to and on the day of the insurrection.
Those who aided and abetted the rioters, with actions such as leading tours of the Capitol complex the day before and one whose phone was seized by the FBI in connection with their investigation of the insurrection remain in Congress. The current Speaker of the House was a chief architect of the plan to disrupt the certification process, acting with the former president's blessing. The man himself, Donald Trump, is the frontrunner in the Republican presidential primary. He was told time and again that he lost, and yet he pressed on with disproven theories, misinformation, and incitement of his followers to attack the Capitol in an attempt to bring our legislature to heel as a branch subservient to the executive. That is in direct contradiction to the oath he swore to our Constitution. He’s done nothing to assuage any worry he won’t try to do the same this time.
We’ve taken actions in the House to prevent the certification process from being upended again. The January 6 Committee did the important work of revealing to the American people the truth of that day. But we must persist in our commitment to American democracy, squash the power of conspiracy theories, and remain vigilant of those who try to undermine our country in the pursuit of power. I take my responsibility to do that seriously and remain steadfast to my oath to protect and defend our Constitution—from enemies both foreign and domestic.”
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