Commemorating the January 6 Insurrection: Five Years Later

On January 6, 2026, the fifth anniversary of the January 6 insurrection, congressional Democrats and various advocacy groups condemned former President Donald Trump's actions surrounding the event. On that day in 2021, Trump supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Critics assert that Trump's subsequent pardons of over 1,500 individuals involved in the insurrection have further undermined the rule of law and democracy in the United States.

Common DreamsMassachusetts Sen. Markey marks five years since January 6 attack, condemns Trump’s pardons of capitol rioters – New Bedford Guide

In a statement, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) emphasized that Trump incited a "vicious MAGA mob" to attack the Capitol, which resulted in injuries to over 140 law enforcement officers and the deaths of several. Markey criticized Trump's pardons, stating they rewarded those who engaged in political violence and undermined democracy. He urged Americans to denounce actions that subvert constitutional principles.

Massachusetts Sen. Markey marks five years since January 6 attack, condemns Trump’s pardons of capitol rioters – New Bedford GuideCommon Dreams

Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), who led Trump's second impeachment, argued in an op-ed that the events of January 6 "never ended." He criticized Trump for appointing individuals associated with the insurrection to high-ranking positions within the Department of Justice and for punishing law enforcement officials. Raskin highlighted the implications of these actions, stating they have demoralized civil service and reduced governmental integrity.

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Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), condemned Trump's pardons as an endorsement of violence. Schumer described the pardons as "among the most sickening things Donald Trump has done in office," asserting they reflect Trump's willingness to use violence to achieve his goals. Advocacy groups, such as Stand Up America, echoed these sentiments, arguing that Trump's actions have made the American public less safe.

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Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, remarked on the broader implications of Trump's presidency, asserting that his actions represent a "real and living threat to our democracy." She criticized his attempts to deploy the National Guard unlawfully and his involvement in international violence, suggesting that Trump's authoritarianism poses a significant risk to democratic governance.

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• “Five years ago, Donald Trump incited a vicious MAGA mob to storm the United States Capitol with one goal: to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.” — Senator Edward J. Markey

Massachusetts Sen. Markey marks five years since January 6 attack, condemns Trump’s pardons of capitol rioters – New Bedford Guide

• “have cost the government thousands of collective years of investigative and prosecutorial experience, demoralized the civil service, and reduced our government to the moral level of a gangster state.” — Representative Jamie Raskin

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• “These pardons were an explicit endorsement of using violence to get your way,” — Senator Chuck Schumer

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• “This day must live forever in our memory, so that we continue to seek accountability for the perpetrators and work tirelessly to safeguard our democracy from future lawlessness," Gilbert said.” — Lisa Gilbert

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As the anniversary of the insurrection is marked, Democratic leaders are expected to continue advocating for accountability regarding Trump's actions and the pardons issued. Legislative efforts, such as the Preventing Private Paramilitary Activity Act, aim to address the influence of paramilitary groups in American politics, reflecting ongoing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.

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