Within the confines of the Capitol, traces of the violence that occurred on January 6, 2021, are becoming increasingly scarce.
The walls’ scars have been mended, and the broken windows and doors caused by the rioters have been fixed.
There is a notable absence of plaques, displays, or any form of remembrance regarding that fateful day.
Discussions among lawmakers about the insurrection are infrequent, and many Republicans are seen downplaying it, adopting President-elect Donald Trump’s rhetoric that minimizes the events of that day, suggesting that the rioters are somehow victims.
In essence, the insurrection that rattled the core of American democracy appears to be treated as if it never took place.
Senator Peter Welch from Vermont remarked, “It’s been erased.
The winners write history, and Trump emerged victorious.
His interpretation is that it was a peaceful gathering, which is clearly false.”
Should Trump carry out his promise to pardon those involved in the riot after his inauguration, Welch contended, it would further solidify his narrative of the events.
Numerous individuals charged with crimes related to January 6, including calls for violence against then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Mike Pence, showcased the chaos as they forcefully overwhelmed police defenses.
Armed with weapons, zip ties, and even Confederate flags, these rioters aimed to halt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory, all the while echoing Trump’s baseless claims of a stolen election.
However, the disruption was brief, as Congress reconvened and fulfilled its constitutional duties later that evening.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, one of the seven Republicans who voted to impeach Trump following the events, labeled that period as “a very, very dark time.”
Many lawmakers appear eager to move on, though their motivations differ.
Former Senator Mike Braun, who aligned closely with Trump, expressed that a segment of the party believes the Justice Department has unfairly targeted certain rioters.
He mentioned that many who were present in the Capitol seek to put distance between the catastrophic event and the present.
The proposed honorific plaque that was meant to acknowledge law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on that day remains conspicuously absent nearly three years later.
In March 2022, Congress legislated to create a plaque naming all officers from various law enforcement agencies that responded to the Capitol violence.
It was mandated that this plaque be displayed on the Capitol’s western front, where the most intense clashes transpired.
Despite the law’s passage, the plaque has yet to be made.
Questions surrounding the cause of the delay and accountability for it have gone unanswered, as representatives from the Architect of the Capitol redirected inquiries to the House Sergeant at Arms, who remain unresponsive.
Both Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell had previously endorsed the plaque, while House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also showed support.
However, the current House Speaker, Mike Johnson’s office, has not provided commentary on the matter.
Representative Zoe Lofgren of California expressed her concerns regarding the plaque’s indefinite delay, writing to Johnson for updates with no response forthcoming.
She emphasized that the neglect to fulfill the law reflects a broader disrespect for the sacrifices made by the officers present that day.
“That service to their country has been overlooked,” Lofgren stated.
New York Representative Joe Morelle criticized the refusal to display the plaque as part of a strategy to deny the reality of January 6 and its impact on the Capitol Police.
Officer Daniel Hodges of the Metropolitan Police, who was violently attacked during the riot, expressed his disdain for the lack of a plaque, labeling it “incredibly offensive.”
He emphasized the simplicity yet significant meaning behind the plaque for those who defended democracy that day.
He went on to share that he would be on duty for the upcoming inauguration, one of the many police officers protecting the president and the city.
Former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell also vocalized remorse over the injuries he sustained and the subsequent loss of his career, conveying feelings of betrayal and wishing the plaque could serve as a reminder of the consequences of that day.
The narrative surrounding the events of January 6 has shifted notably within the Republican Party since the immediate aftermath of the siege.
Initial condemnation was widespread, with Senator Lindsey Graham distancing himself and the then-House Republican leader Kevin McCarthy attributing responsibility to Trump shortly afterward.
However, McCarthy’s visit to Florida to reconcile with Trump changes the landscape, leading to the former president’s gradual resurgence among Republicans, who later welcomed him back with standing ovations.
The recent Republican perspective on January 6 has diverged from condemnation to questioning the investigation and the actions taken by Democratic-led committees.
As some Republicans label those imprisoned as “hostages,” the dynamics around any potential pardons from Trump remain uncertain, particularly concerning the most violent offenders.
Senator Markwayne Mullin conveyed his opposition to pardoning those who attacked police officers, suggesting they should serve their time.
Despite calls for recognition of the January 6 attack, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto highlighted lasting impacts that go beyond memorialization, such as improved security at presidential certifications.
While updates to the Electoral Count Act aim to clarify procedures for certifying elections, Democrats warn that a distorted narrative regarding January 6 could solidify over time.
“Neglecting to acknowledge history increases the chances of its repetition,” remarked Representative Jim McGovern, underlining the importance of remembrance through actions like a commemorative plaque or moment of silence.
In hindsight, some representatives, including Jim Himes, voiced opinions suggesting preservation of remnants of the destruction as a reminder, but those traces were swiftly repaired.
Though little evidence of the turmoil and financial damages inflicted on the Capitol exists today, Himes expressed a belief that the memory of January 6 would not fade.
“I have confidence in history,” he asserted.
