Congressman Cleaver’s Statement on the 5th Anniversary of the January 6th Insurrection
(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the January 6th insurrection and the attack on the U.S. Capitol.
“Today marks the fifth anniversary of the violent assault on the U.S. Capitol Building and our constitutional Republic, incited by the President of the United States in his despicable attempt to remain in power after knowingly losing a free and fair election. On this solemn day, we are reminded of the fragility of our democracy as well as our sacred duty, entrusted to us by generations prior, to protect it for the generations still to come.
“As we condemn those who participated in the first violent attempt to prevent the transfer of power in American history, we must also give thanks to the countless law enforcement officers who defended our nation during a time of grave peril. Tragically, some of those heroes are no longer with us today due to injuries sustained during that horrific event, but it is our responsibility to ensure their memory and sacrifice are remembered. It is because of those heroes that our Republic still stands today, even if the assault on the Constitution and the rule of law remain.
“Unfortunately, rather than unifying the nation in defense of the values that have made our nation truly great, the current administration and select members of Congress have actively worked to erase the memory of that day by pardoning those who participated in the violence, lying about the seriousness and coordination of the attack, and even unlawfully denying an honor to the memory of those who defended our democracy. This shameful stain will, rightfully, stick with them until the end of time.
“For a quarter of a millennia, the United States has grown into the most prosperous and powerful nation in the history of the world because of our commitment to the democratic principles of freedom, equality, and the supremacy of the rule of law, not the supremacy of a singular race, religion, or class. Although January 6th will remain as one of the darkest days in American history, let it also be a flashing signal about the delicacy of democracy and the vigilance necessary to ensure it continues for our progeny.”
“If we do not lay aside our partisan view of what happened on January 6th, history will surely lay us aside.”
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Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.