On Jan. 6, 2021, I was in the Congress Rayburn House Office Building as violent domestic terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol building across the street. Like you, I could only watch in disgust as these terrorists attacked law enforcement, vandalized the Capitol, and threatened the exercise of our democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.

Democracy bent but did not break on Jan. 6. I never doubted the outcome of that day: Congress would affirm the election of President Biden and Vice President Harris.

Five years later, progress has been made to hold accountable those responsible for the attack, protect our democracy, and restore trust in government. But at the same time, President Trump and the Republican Rip-Off have taken us backwards.

During President Trump's first days in office, he pardoned everyone who took part in the attacks on the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

January 6 is not a day to agonize, but we must remember the real history and use it to organize and move forward.

On the fifth anniversary of the attack, join me in remembering the five officers who lost their lives defending our democracy and the Capitol. Join me in honoring the more than 140 officers who were physically injured and the many more who still bear the burden of that horrible day. And join me in organizing for voting rights to move our country forward and prevent another Jan. 6 from ever happening again.

More soon,

Rick