One year ago today, there was a direct assault on our democracy in an attempt to overthrow a legitimate election.
As the majority of our elected officials worked to certify the election and move the process of our democracy forward, a Trump-directed mob descended on the U.S. Capitol.
They attacked the U.S. Capitol Police who bravely tried to hold them back, putting their lives on the line to protect our country.
They threatened the lives of members of Congress, of Capitol staff, and threatened the very fabric of our democracy.
One year ago today, I, along with many of you, watched this attack play out in real time. It was one of the most horrifying days our country has witnessed. We came to the very edge of losing our democracy. It was a day that changed all of our lives — including mine.
As a veteran who served to protect our country, I had never imagined this would happen. I thought, in that moment, politics would be put aside and our leaders would unite to stand up against the white supremacist, insurrection mob and the traitors in Congress who aided and abetted the attack.
But that sure as hell didn’t happen.
I thought members of the Republican Party would join together, put their own party allegiances aside, and draw the line on an attempt to overthrow the government.
Instead, they united together to protect Trump, protected their traitorous colleagues, downplayed just how close we came to losing our democracy, and have baited and switched every single attempt to bring accountability — Kevin McCarthy included.
Just last week, Republicans blocked the forming of an independent commission to investigate the horrific events of that day.
I couldn’t say it better than U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who had to face the mob, has said:
I feel like they don't have the courage. They demand something from us that they're not willing to do, which is sacrifice their livelihood.
He’s right. We need accountability. We need justice. The Republicans in Congress need to stand up and hold their own colleagues, like the Sedition Caucus and everyone else involved, accountable for their betrayal of our democracy.
I’ll never stop fighting to do my part in making that happen.
In solidarity,
Bruno
