CAPTION: Capitol insurrectionists storming the building on January 6, 2021 (Photo credit: Tyler Merbler).
Saturday marked the anniversary of an ignoble moment in American history: It was the third anniversary of the Jan. 6 insurrection.
That’s when Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to protest his 2020 Presidential Election loss to Joe Biden. The rioters acted out this terrorist attack to prevent Congress from certifying Biden’s victory.
The insurrection resulted in appalling violence committed against approximately 140 law enforcement officers. Lawmakers barricaded themselves in the House chambers. The rioters also had Capitol Hill staff under siege as many barricaded themselves in their offices and hid under their desks on that day.
At the three-year mark of this inglorious moment, over 1,200 people have been arrested in connection with the insurrection, and over 450 people have been incarcerated, serving sentences that ranged from a few days to 20 years, reports The New York Times.
Authorities are still looking to track down about 80 people suspected of participating in the attacks.
All told, five people died as a result of the event.
Although an 18-month investigation by a U.S. House of Representatives committee concluded that Trump engaged in a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 Presidential election results and did not act to stop the Jan. 6 attacks, polls like this one show that he remains the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican Presidential nomination.
Moreover, a WBEZ/Chicago Sun-Times report also found that Trump neglected to sign the Illinois loyalty oath as part of his nominating petition that he submitted to the State Board of Elections on Thursday. Presidential candidates sign this oath to confirm that they won’t advocate for overthrowing the federal or state government.
Yet, on the third anniversary, many took to social media to post reflections on the grim event. Others condemned the individuals suspected of participating or used the anniversary to affirm the heroism of those who tried to stand up to the insurrectionists. Even the President and Vice President weighed in.
Three years ago, a violent mob fueled by lies attacked the U.S. Capitol.
Our democracy was tested. But it held because We the People prevailed.
It’s up to us to prove – for all its imperfections – American democracy is still a beacon to the world and a promise to be kept.
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 6, 2024
On January 6, our democracy endured a violent assault. Animated by lies and hate, insurrectionists stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn a lawful election.
Let us vow to fight to safeguard our democracy and preserve our most sacred freedoms for generations to come. pic.twitter.com/AaZsc5Oxkg
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 6, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson did as well:
Three years ago today, we watched in horror as insurrectionists threatened to destroy our democracy.
Extremism will not shake us.
Extremism will not determine the course of our future.
I stand in solidarity with anyone protecting our democracy and the soul of our country.
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) January 6, 2024
Trump’s son gave his version of the Jan. 6 events:
Happy Fake Insurrection Day!!!
The first ever insurrection with armed tour guides and unarmed participants!
I do hope that it was the start of something real though, where people realize that their government is not what they thought it to be unite to take back their country!!!
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) January 6, 2024
People also showed love to Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman, who was famously photographed standing up to rioters:
At 2:20 p.m. on this day in 2021, the Capitol went into lockdown.
Around this time, Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman diverted extremists who were steps from the Senate Chamber where members of Congress were still inside.
The officers of the United States Capitol Police… pic.twitter.com/1JwdONC5XN
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 6, 2024
A lot of images from January 6th, but this one I’ll never forget.
Remembering the bravery of Officer Eugene Goodman as the U.S. Capitol was under attack. You, Sir, are a hero.
If one can stand for our democracy and against insurrectionists, just imagine what we can do together. pic.twitter.com/QlVEMPaDYm
— Juliana Stratton (@JulianaStratton) January 6, 2024
Thank you Harry Dunn for saving Democracy during the Capitol insurrection. pic.twitter.com/uIWu9zRhQj
— Terry Kelly (@Anxsks) January 6, 2024
Of course, members of “Black Twitter” took the time to lampoon the whole thing:
Klanuary 6th https://t.co/9Ti28vHQS1
— Methuselah Honeysuckle (@dhoodson) January 6, 2024
3 yrs ago today, the No-look Pepper Spray pic.twitter.com/TYo8N5OY7G
— chavíto 🦦 (@Chavito316) January 6, 2024
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