HENRICO, V.A. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement to mark six months since the attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021.

“On January 6, I was trapped alongside my colleagues and members of the press as we barricaded ourselves in the gallery of the U.S. House of Representatives. Outside its doors and throughout the Capitol grounds, extremists committed brutal acts of violence against law enforcement officers, threatened to kill Vice President Pence and other leaders, and attempted to overthrow the will of the American people. American citizens lost their lives, and the American people were left further disillusioned about the future of our political discourse and the long-term direction of our country.

“We must always remember how we arrived at such a moment of terror. This act of sedition was fueled by a constant drumbeat of lies— most notably from former President Trump — about the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. In the dark moments of January 6, we saw how this rhetoric can lead to bloodshed, threaten the lives of our fellow Americans, and undermine our democratic republic. Unfortunately, this dangerous rhetoric is still echoed by those who seek to sow division and provoke violence across our nation. We have a responsibility to call out leaders who continue to amplify, inflame, or turn a blind eye to ‘stolen election’ falsehoods and conspiracy theories. We have an ongoing responsibility to condemn these lies.

“The attempted insurrection transpired in a place meant to symbolize the strength and stability of our democracy. Six months later, we still have much work ahead in our efforts to unite our country, hold insurrectionists accountable, and find answers to longstanding questions about the events of that day. While I remain strongly disappointed by the recent actions of Senate Republicans to block a bipartisan commission, I am encouraged that a select committee with Members from both parties is moving forward. I was proud to vote to establish this committee last week on the floor of the U.S. House.

“Today, I hope all Americans will reflect on the uncommon courage and sacrifice displayed by officers of the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department, and their families. Our democratic republic owes a great debt to their heroism, their devotion to our country, and their commitment to our Constitution.”

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