Senate Democratic leaders Vitelli, Daughtry mark Jan. 6 anniversary
AUGUSTA — Thursday, Jan. 6 marks the one-year anniversary of the failed insurrection in the U.S. Capitol. To mark this solemn occasion, Senate Majority Leader Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, and Assistant Senate Majority Leader Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, released the following statements:
“The images of the Jan. 6 insurrection will live on in our memories forever. None of us will ever forget the horror, shock, anger and sadness of that day. But I know I’ll also never forget the images of bravery — of law enforcement officers holding barricades, or leading insurrectionists down one hall so Congress members and staff could escape to safety down another,” said Sen. Vitelli. “On this day, we thank those law enforcement officers who protect our communities, our Capitol and our state houses. We take time to reflect on how important our democracy is, and we commit ourselves to upholding the true will of the people.”
“As we look back on the horrific events of Jan. 6, 2021, let’s not lose sight of the truth of what happened: Armed insurrectionists violently stormed the seat of U.S. government in a bid to overturn a lawful election. It was not a protest; it was, in fact, the absolute antithesis of democracy,” said Sen. Daughtry. “Four law enforcement officers lost their lives because of that insurrection, and more than 100 others were severely injured. The pain of those injuries, as well as the trauma from that day, will likely be with them forever. On this anniversary, we must all vow to do everything we can to hold fast to the foundations of our democracy — of equal representation, fair and open elections, and accountability.”
On Jan. 6, 2021, an armed mob charged the grounds of the U.S. Capitol building in a failed attempt to stop the certification of the election of President Joe Biden. Members of the mob severely injured an estimated 140 law enforcement officers, destroyed federal property and terrorized Congress members and staff alike; nine people died either during or directly because of the riot. Similar threats and attacks were made to state capitals across the country, including a threat to the Maine State House. In the aftermath, more than 700 people are facing federal charges for their actions that day, and the FBI is still searching for another 350 suspects.
On Wednesday, Jan. 5, the Maine Legislature passed a Joint Resolution Commemorating the January 6th Insurrection, sponsored by Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash. The joint resolution reads in part, “this act of domestic terrorism represented a threat to the safety of the members of the United States Congress and an affront to the United States Constitution, democracy and our commitment to holding free and fair elections that ensure every American is able to exercise the right to vote.”
