Washington, Jan 7 (NationPress) US Senate and House Democrats commemorated the fifth anniversary of the January 6 assault on the US Capitol, emphasizing that the peril to American democracy is still significant and accusing former President Donald Trump and his supporters of persistently misrepresenting the events of that day.

During a news briefing at the US Capitol, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asserted that the nation must “never forget what transpired on January 6th, five years ago,” labeling it a juncture when democracy faced “greater risk than it has in a century.” He stressed the importance of future generations remembering “the day democracy was placed at greater risk than it has been in more than a century.”

Schumer characterized the assault as an effort to reverse the 2020 presidential election, stating, “Five years ago, a brutal mob attempted to dismantle American democracy.” He noted that thousands of rioters, “encouraged by Donald Trump, stormed the US Capitol,” shattering windows, looting offices, and forcing lawmakers and staff to flee for their lives.

Recounting his own experience, Schumer mentioned that he was in his office when a Capitol Police officer alerted him to imminent danger. “Never forget that feeling,” he recounted, remembering how police rushed him out as rioters approached lawmakers. “Thanks to my courageous police officers … I wasn’t harmed.”

Schumer accused Trump of propagating false narratives about the incident and attempting to shift responsibility onto law enforcement. “Donald Trump’s administration issued a maliciously false narrative that blamed the Capitol Police for the violence,” he remarked, noting that Trump later granted “a blanket pardon for every individual who assaulted our police on January 6th.”

Recognizing Capitol Police and District of Columbia officers as “heroes,” Schumer stated they “defended this building, safeguarded lives, and protected democracy.” He cautioned that attempts to downplay or rewrite the attack undermine the nation. “Each time they do, they weaken the structure and beauty of this country,” he asserted.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed these sentiments, stating that Democrats gathered to honor “the solemn five-year anniversary of the violent insurrection incited by Donald Trump to overturn the results of a free and fair election.” He commended law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol, saying they were “outnumbered by a violent mob but never overwhelmed by the seriousness of the moment.”

Jeffries vividly described the hours of clashes between police and rioters, stating officers were “beaten with pipes, whipped, assaulted with bear spray, and battered by Confederate flagpoles.” Despite the violence, he emphasized, “They were bloodied but unbowed.”

He credited their actions with saving lives. “Had it not been for their bravery on that fateful day, many of us would not be alive right now,” Jeffries remarked. Addressing the rioters, he added: “Donald Trump may have pardoned your crimes, but only God can pardon your sins.”

Jeffries asserted that Democrats would not permit the events of January 6 to be “whitewashed,” vowing to oppose efforts to undermine elections. “We will never allow a violent insurrection to occur on American soil again,” he declared.

Family members of fallen officers Brian Sicknick and Jeffrey Smith were present at the gathering. Both leaders paused to honor their sacrifice and called for a moment of silence to pay tribute to those who perished as a result of the attack.

The January 6, 2021, incident occurred while Congress was convened to certify the Electoral College victory of President Joe Biden over then-President Trump. A mob of Trump supporters breached the Capitol's security, forcing lawmakers to halt proceedings and evacuate.

More than 1,000 individuals have since faced charges related to the attack, which remains a pivotal moment in contemporary US politics, influencing discussions on election integrity, accountability, and the resilience of American democratic institutions.