John,

On January 6, 2021, I was in the U.S. Capitol, in the House Chamber.

I was there when insurrectionists entered the building. I was there when police evacuated my colleagues off the House Floor, and I was among those – Members of Congress and the press – who were trapped in the Gallery during the assault on the Capitol.

I remember the calls my colleagues made to loved ones. I remember the fear and the urgency in the voices coming across the police radios. I remember the humming of the gas masks. I remember lying on the floor of the House gallery as we began seeing photos on news sites of insurrectionists with flexicuffs and tactical gear in the Senate gallery, just opposite of where we were.

I also remember the initial days following the insurrection when the violence was universally denounced, when my Republican colleagues not only spoke truthfully of that day, but rightfully blamed the man who had incited that insurrection, thanked the police for their valor, and demanded accountability. I remember when companies very publicly halted their campaign donations to the Members of Congress who bowed to the insurrectionists and denied the election results. I remember when it seemed that Americans were clear-eyed in our collective rebuke of the violence, support for our brave law enforcement, and demand for accountability.

And as we face today’s reality – Donald Trump’s return to the White House and his pardon of those who brought violence to our nation’s Capitol, here is my request of you: Don’t forget that day, even as the President erases accountability and endeavors to rewrite history – read news coverage, look at photos, or watch a documentary like January 6th.

And with that, I must get back to work – back to the campaign trail here in Virginia.

With appreciation,

Abigail