One year ago today, on January 6th, 2021, a mob of right-wing domestic terrorists stormed the United States Capitol in a Donald Trump-inspired attempt to overturn the results of our free and fair election. I was in the House Gallery that day. From that spot, I heard gunshots outside the House Chamber. I crouched below the balcony walls alongside Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) as we hid from the rioters. I made what I thought could be my final call to my children.

On that day, both Democrats and Republicans were terrified. We had no idea what was happening outside the doors of the Chamber, relying on updates from social media and loved ones for information as we slipped on our gas masks, evacuated the building, and sought refuge in a nearby safe room.

Frankly, seeing Republican lawmakers (some of the same Republicans I saw that day in fear for their lives) now deny the reality of what happened on January 6th — some referring to it as a “normal tourist visit” — only rubs salt in the wound.

The fear my colleagues and I felt that day, both for our personal safety and for the future of our democracy, left an indelible impact. I am tremendously grateful for the law enforcement officers who ensured our security. Now, it is up to us, the American people, to ensure the events of January 6th are not forgotten and never repeated.

I hope and trust that you will stand with me, as you have always done, to ensure the story of that dark day is told. Tonight, you can watch me on CNN with Anderson Cooper at 8:30 pm ET, along with some of my friends who were also there that day, to reflect on this solemn occasion.

Thank you. As we enter 2022, I wish for you, your family, and our country a year of peace and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Susan