Honoring Heroes: January 6 Moment of Silence

As the second anniversary of the January 6 insurrection approaches, Congress has taken a moment to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement officers who defended democracy that day. On January 11, 2001, Democrats and Republicans came together on the Capitol steps, united in their grief and resilience after the September 11 terrorist attacks. Washington, D.C. is known for its ability to memorialize national traumas and bring people together in times of crisis.

The events of January 6 were a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy. As then-Capitol Police Chief Sund recalled, he was left feeling frustrated and helpless as he begged for support from the Pentagon during the chaotic hours that followed the breach of the Capitol building. Despite his pleas, it took three-and-a-half hours for the National Guard to arrive on the scene.

Sund's account is a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who risked their lives to protect our democracy. As the Metropolitan Police Department officer who came to help that day put it, 'We went through hell that day.' The videos of that day are tough to watch, but they serve as a powerful reminder of the heroism and dedication of those who stood up against the insurrectionists.

As the January 6 committee officially shuts down on Tuesday, we must continue to honor the memory of those who were injured or lost their lives that day. We owe it to them to ensure that our democracy is protected and that those responsible for the violence are held accountable. By taking a moment of silence today, we can reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and recommit ourselves to defending the Constitution we all swore an oath to uphold.

January 6 moment of silence