COMING IN:Senate and House Democrats Mark Fifth Anniversary of Jan. 6 Capitol Riot.

Senate and House Democrats Mark Fifth Anniversary of Jan. 6 Capitol Riot.

WASHINGTON — On the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Democratic leaders from both the Senate and the House are holding a high-profile news conference and series of events on Capitol Hill to remember the violent assault and to renew calls for accountability and defense of democratic norms.

At the heart of today’s activity is a news conference featuring Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who are speaking from the Capitol steps about the legacy, lessons, and ongoing political struggles tied to the insurrection.

A Day of Remembrance and Reflection

Democratic leaders used the anniversary to recommit to preserving an accurate historical account of Jan. 6 and to resist efforts they describe as attempts to “whitewash” or diminish the severity of the attack.

They reiterated the violence of that day, underscored the injuries to law enforcement officers, and honored those who defended the Capitol.

House Minority Leader Jeffries emphasized that the attack constituted a serious challenge to the peaceful transfer of power and stressed the need to “never forget” what occurred. He highlighted the bravery of Capitol Police officers, many of whom suffered serious injuries, and the more than 1,500 people arrested in connection with the riots.

Democrats also shared reports and findings on the aftermath of the insurrection, including examinations of the Trump administration’s pardons for hundreds of those involved and broader impacts on public safety and political discourse.

Commemorations and Calls for Accountability.

Alongside the press conference, Democratic lawmakers, former members of the Jan. 6 Select Committee, and others gathered for panel discussions and hearings that revisited testimony from law enforcement, members of Congress, and even individuals who were part of the attack.

These sessions aimed to reinforce the facts of January 6 and to push back against narratives reframing the events.

A recurring theme was the failure to install a long-approved plaque honoring Capitol police officers who defended the building on Jan. 6, which remains a source of bipartisan frustration but has become a contentious political issue.

A Nation Still Divided

The Democratic observances stand in contrast to other events in Washington marking the anniversary. Former rioters and far-right figures held marches and gatherings retracing parts of the route from the White House to the Capitol, honoring participants such as Ashli Babbitt.

Meanwhile, political fault lines remain stark: many Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, have minimized or reframed the events of Jan. 6, with some parties and media outlets offering alternative narratives about the causes and significance of the riot.

Critics argue these narratives risk distorting history.

Why This Matters

The anniversary comes five years after one of the most consequential challenges to U.S. democratic processes in recent history — an attack that temporarily halted a constitutional congressional proceeding.

Thousands of supporters of then-President Trump stormed the Capitol in an effort to overturn certified election results.

For Democrats, the events of today are about more than commemoration; they are a political and moral statement about defending democratic institutions and preventing the erosion of norms that sustain them.

The news conference and related activities aim to ensure that the lessons of Jan. 6 remain part of the national conversation.