On the Fifth Anniversary of the Attack on our Nation’s Capitol, Human Rights First Warns of Ongoing Threats to Democracy

Washington, D.C. – Today marks the fifth anniversary of a violent insurrection on our nation’s Capitol in a brazen attempt to defy the democratic will of American voters in the 2020 Presidential Election. In remembrance of that day, Human Rights First’s President and CEO Uzra Zeya said:

“Five years ago today our nation’s Capitol faced a grave attack, instigated by President Trump. It was a blatant rejection of rule of law and our democratic processes. The actions taken by the insurrectionists were a direct result of lies spread about our election process. The perpetrators of that day showed a disdain for our democracy that remains starkly evident in the current policies and actions of President Trump and his administration.” 

“While the storming of our Capitol was a stark manifestation of the threat to our democracy, what we are facing today is no less dangerous. This anniversary should serve not only as a remembrance of the violence D.C. police officers, the then-Vice President, and bipartisan members of Congress faced, but also as a warning for what could come next. We must build a bigger tent to reject and push back against assaults on our democratic norms and institutions. This work requires bravery from our political leaders and resilience from our communities. We take today to remember and recommit to defending our democracy.”