Friend --

Last night, Jordi and I tried to sit down with Cora to talk about the attacks on our nation we all witnessed yesterday. She’s 8 years old now, and just like when we walked to the Supreme Court to pay respects when Justice Ginsberg passed this fall, she’s old enough to  begin to understand the gravity of what happened and the risk it poses to our country. But still, using words like “insurrection” and “domestic terrorists” with our 8-year-old as we talk about what happened was sobering.

If you’re like me, you’re still processing what happened. I feel anger toward the people who tried to overtake our democracy, toward the so-called leaders who incited them with lies and desperate conspiracies, and toward the failures of institutions like the US Capitol Police to keep the U.S. Capitol and all within it safe. I feel sadness for our country and the democratic institutions that have been sullied and deeply harmed by these actions. But I also feel resolve that most people in our country are committed to repairing, reforming, and protecting our precious democracy.

This wasn’t just an attack on a building. It had serious consequences for Ward 6 neighbors, emotionally and literally. Some had to be evacuated from their homes while the Republican and Democratic National offices each had pipe bombs placed nearby. Neighbors who work in the Capitol as security staff, in administrative and service roles, and legislative staff had to shelter in place or flee their offices. And many of us are feeling the trauma of what happened not just on TV, but in our own front yard. 

I’m very concerned that some want to quickly move on. That’s not the path forward. The District will not be safer unless we tell the truth of this moment and name those who foment or perpetuate racial and anti-Semitic terror and white supremacy. This requires collective and individual accountability.

There must be accountability for each person who broke into the U.S. Capitol and tried to tear down our government. I will push for and partner with MPD, our Attorney General, and the US Attorney’s Office to make sure that happens. And there also must be swift accountability for the systemic failures that took place by the U.S. Capitol Police yesterday. While there were certainly brave actions of individual U.S. Capitol Police officers, command staff were wholly unprepared to meet an insurrection and allowed – and at times appeared to facilitate – armed domestic terrorists to take over the Capitol, with officers moving security fences to let rioters in, posing in the hallways for photos, and escorting white supremacists through the building. One officer has passed away after suffering an apparent stroke while serving. This was not a protest; this was a violent act against our country. It was terrorism, period. The abject failures of the U.S. Capitol Police demands accountability, and I sent the following letter to USCP Chief Sund, who has since announced he will be resigning effective January 16, and pledge to work with congressional leadership and others to interrogate these failures and hold people accountable. Here's the letter: http://www.charlesallenward6.com/1_7_21_letter_to_chief_of_united_states_capitol_police

Late in the afternoon as the insurrection continued, MPD took over command of the U.S. Capitol and was able to secure the building and allow the Senate and House to return to their business of certifying the Presidential election – a sacred constitutional duty. I’m grateful for MPD’s quick response and wish those officers injured a speedy recovery. I want to extend my condolences and sadness as a US Capitol Police officer has passed away after suffering an apparent stroke during the chaos. In addition, the National Guard is now activated to assist in securing the Capitol, and we’re receiving assistance in partnership with Virginia and Maryland. Let me note that unlike any other state, DC is unable to command its own National Guard. Instead, we have to ask for permission from the federal government – which was initially denied. This is just one more reason we need DC Statehood. 

The Mayor has extended an emergency declaration through the January 20 Presidential Inauguration, and we’re going to see a much higher security presence around the U.S. Capitol. Here are details on that order if you need additional information: https://mayor.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-issues-mayor%E2%80%99s-order-extending-today%E2%80%99s-public-emergency-15-days-a1

I’ll wager that like me, many of you have had difficult and traumatizing conversations in the last 24 hours with children and grandchildren, neighbors and friends, or even with your spouse or partner. If I can help answer any of your questions, or if you just want to let me know how you’re feeling and what you want to see happen, please let me know.

All my best for a safe and peaceful remainder of the week.

Charles Allen