John, one year ago, a violent mob emboldened by Trump’s lies about fraud in the 2020 election stormed the Capitol building, threatening our lives, and our very democracy.

I remember spending 5 hours barricaded with Rep. Grace Meng as we waited in fear, not knowing when we would be able to leave safely and reunite with our staff and our families. We heard the mob chanting outside our door, and watched the terrifying news clips on mute in darkness while we waited, only to be rescued by the Capitol Police at 6:30pm that evening.

But today we remember both the heartbreak, and the heroism. Despite an unprecedented violent insurrection, the brave Capitol Police officers risked their own lives to defend us and our constitution, and Congress came together at 4AM to fulfill our duty to certify the election results and usher the peaceful transfer of power that is the bedrock of democracy.

Last year, American democracy was put to the ultimate test, and it’s now on all of us to make sure it is strengthened and secured.

Respectfully,

Lois Frankel