January 06, 2024

Congressman Castro Marks Three Years Since January 6, 2021 Attack on the U.S. Capitol

SAN ANTONIO – Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence who served as an impeachment manager during the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump, released the following statement to mark the passage of three years since the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol:

“Three years ago, the United States endured one of the darkest days in our history. As Congress gathered to certify the results of the November 2020 presidential election, a fanatical group of right-wing extremists – inspired and directly incited by Donald Trump – attempted to shatter the foundations of American democracy within the very building that represents it. The events of that day will be forever etched into my memory as a reminder that democracy is fragile and ours must never be taken for granted.

“In the months leading up to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, Donald Trump and his associates tried to overturn the results of the election and laid the groundwork for their insurrection. In speeches, tweets, and rallies, Trump smeared election workers and made baseless claims about voter fraud. As his supporters looked to him for leadership, he insisted that their most precious right in a democracy – their vote – had been stolen. Finally, in a desperate attempt to preserve his power, he summoned a mob to the Capitol and told them to fight. His lies led to the deaths of nine people, including five brave law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol against his attack. As the insurrection unfolded, Trump abdicated his responsibilities as commander-in-chief and left everyone in the Capitol for dead.

“The most effective way to destroy a democracy is to convince people that their voices do not matter. Donald Trump’s lies have caused enormous damage and destruction, but they have not — and will not — go unchallenged. In the face of threats and harassment, elections officials from both parties have continued to defend the integrity of our elections. In the courts, prosecutors and judges are working to show that no one involved in an insurrection is above the law. I was honored to serve as an impeachment manager during Trump’s second impeachment trial, and I am grateful to my colleagues on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack, who provided a clear and meticulous accounting of Trump’s responsibility for the Capitol attack.

“The attack on the Capitol failed, but the work to protect our democracy remains. As we mark this grim anniversary and prepare for the 2024 elections, all Americans – regardless of party affiliation – need to do our part. The right to vote must be protected, and the results of free and fair elections must be respected, even when our preferred candidate loses. We must never forget that it is our commitment to democracy, freedom, opportunity, and the rule of law that distinguishes America among the nations of the world.”