EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release | January 6, 2022

Statement by Andrew McKeough Marking
the One Year Anniversary of the January 6th Attack

The events of January 6th, 2021 at the United States Capitol were a violent and deeply disturbing attack on the foundations of our democracy. The insurrectionists, who stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the results of a fair and lawful election, engaged in acts of vandalism, destruction, and violence that left many injured and several dead.

This attack on the Capitol was not only an assault on the building and the people inside, it was an attack on the very principles that make America a democracy. The peaceful transfer of power, the rule of law, and the rights of all citizens to have their voices heard through the democratic process, were all under attack.

This behavior is unacceptable and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Those who committed criminal acts should be held accountable to the full extent of the law.

It's important to note that the vast majority of those who participated in the rally were peaceful and law-abiding citizens exercising their right to free speech. However, the actions of the violent insurrectionists do not reflect the values of the vast majority of Americans, who believe in the rule of law and peaceful protest.

This was a dark moment in our nation's history, but we must not let it define us. We must continue to come together as a country to heal, to learn from our mistakes, and to rededicate ourselves to the principle of democracy.

We must work together to ensure that the peaceful transfer of power continues for elections and generations to come, that the rule of law is upheld, and that the rights of all citizens are protected.

We must come together to condemn violence, racism and bigotry in any form, and be united in our efforts to protect and preserve democracy for future generations.

-Andrew K. McKeough