WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks five years since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol — a day that stunned the nation and reshaped American politics.
Lawmakers, law enforcement and historians say the impact of the attack on the heart of American democracy is still being felt.
What began as a pro-Trump rally near the White House ultimately escalated into chaos — when some at that rally breached Capitol Police lines, shattering windows and making their way inside while lawmakers were certifying the 2020 presidential election.
Within 36 hours of the attack, five people died and hundreds were injured — including more than 140 police officers.
In the years since, federal investigators have charged more than a thousand people connected to the attack, with hundreds convicted on offenses ranging from trespassing to assault and seditious conspiracy.
However, 1,500 were later pardoned by Trump when he took office in January 2025.
Today, congressional Democrats — who were part of the Jan. 6 committee — organized an unofficial hearing to mark the occasion, featuring one individual who was charged on Jan. 6 and ultimately rejected the president’s pardon.
“When Donald Trump pardoned us, I rejected the pardon. Accepting that pardon would be lying about what happened on Jan. 6,” said Pamela Hemphill, who was charged in connection to Jan. 6 and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor.
“The rule of law and our oath continue to matter, especially as we see Donald Trump pardon those who were charged or convicted in the Jan. 6 attack,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., who was the chairman of the Jan. 6 committee.
Congressional Republicans were not present at that unofficial hearing — but some, including North Carolina Republican Sen. Tom Tillis, did take time to address the anniversary on the Senate floor today, calling the day “one of the worst days” in his time in the U.S. Senate — while also thanking Capitol Police and other Capitol officials for their actions five years ago.
