Friend –

It's been a year since the insurrection on Jan. 6, 2021. A year since a mob, incited by Donald Trump, descended violently upon our democracy – resulting in death, including five police officers.

I was there that day, following the orders from the Capitol police officers to "get down." I heard the rioters banging on the doors, shouting and yelling. We were in danger.

Although a year has passed, the wounds this act of domestic terrorism inflicted on our nation are still fresh. Accountability and justice are the only path toward healing. 

And yet, despite the active role Trump played in the horrors of that day, Marco Rubio and his Republican allies in the Senate voted to acquit him of any responsibility. With this dangerous vote, Rubio made it clear that his allegiance is with far-right extremists, not the American people or the Constitution he took an oath to uphold.

For the sake of our democracy, there can be no more free passes. The Capitol insurrectionists must be brought to justice. That's why we need to send a clear message that there is an undeniable push for accountability – and I'm counting on your voice:

Thank you for speaking out,

Val Demings