Congresswoman Norma Torres Statement on 4th Anniversary of January 6th
Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Norma J. Torres (CA-35) issued the following statement on 4th anniversary of January 6th insurrection at the United States Capitol:
Four years ago today, a violent mob, incited by President Trump, stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the 2020 election. I will never forget the terror I felt, trapped for 45 minutes in the House Chamber, face down on the floor as our democracy was under attack. This was not just an assault on the Capitol—it was an attack on the core values of our nation and our institutions.
The mob came armed with handguns, knives, and handcuffs, intent on taking lawmakers hostage. They erected a gallows intended to hang former Vice President Mike Pence and smeared feces on the Capitol walls. It was only thanks to the bravery of the Capitol Police that no one was killed that day.
I was forced to shelter in a "safe place," but there was no real safety. Tear gas filled the air, and a shot was fired just beneath us. Meanwhile, Republicans in the safe area refused to wear masks, causing several of my colleagues to contract COVID-19.
Since then, extremists, emboldened by Trump’s influence, have pushed a dangerous revisionist narrative to rewrite history and divide us further. We cannot let this stand. Trump’s actions on January 6th must be held accountable, and justice must prevail.
This anniversary is a stark reminder of democracy’s fragility. We must unite across party lines to protect our institutions, safeguard voting rights, and ensure no future attempts to undermine the will of the people. We owe it to the brave Capitol Police, to every citizen, and to future generations to defend democracy and improve the systems that protect it.
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