Press Release: 1/7/2026

Rep. Pressley Marks Fifth Anniversary of Horrific January 6th Insurrection

 

Today, Pressley Will Join Colleagues on Capitol Steps for Moment of Reflection

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) issued the following statement on the five-year anniversary of the January 6th insurrection. Later today, the Congresswoman will join her colleagues on the Capitol steps for a moment of reflection to mark the anniversary and honor those impacted.

“Today marks five years since a violent white supremacist mob of insurrectionists, incited and emboldened by Donald Trump, attacked our Capitol—and with it, the very principles that make our country whole: freedom, democracy, equality.

“I will never forget what it was like to be inside the Capitol complex that day. We did not know if we would make it home to our families. I grieve deeply for the officers killed in the line of duty and the aftermath of the attack.”

“In the five years since, Donald Trump has attempted to dismantle our democracy at every turn and continues to operate with contempt for every person who calls this country home. Instead of facing accountability and making amends with those impacted on that harrowing day—Capitol police, Congressional staff, facilities workers, members of Congress, and the public writ large—Trump has attempted to erase and whitewash what took place on January 6th, pardoned more than 1,500 insurrectionists who desecrated our Capitol, and continued to spread lies, incite violence, and embolden organized white supremacist violence.

“And it is no coincidence that on the eve of the anniversary of Trump’s attempt to overthrow American democracy, he is attempting to overthrow a foreign government in Venezuela in a brazen violation of our Constitution and international law. Trump disregarded Congress as a co-equal branch of government five years ago, and he is defying Congress and violating his oath of office again today.

“The January 6th insurrection will forever be a damning stain in American history, and we must never abdicate our responsibility to pursue accountability for everyone involved and tell the truth about what happened that day. As Donald Trump continues his march toward authoritarianism and attacks on our fundamental principles, I will keep using every tool at my disposal to do just that.”

In December 2025, Congresswoman Pressley unveiled a new, first-of-its-kind report revealing how Donald Trump’s use of clemency and pardons has neglected many of the most marginalized and impacted communities. The report, titled “Trump’s Clemency Gap,” found, among other things, that of the over 1,700 pardons issued by Trump in his second term, over 1,500 went to January 6th insurrectionists.