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JOE Biden has addressed the nation from the Capitol on the anniversary of the January 6 riots.
Biden slammed the mob who stormed the Capitol last year, in a speech with Vice President Kamala Harris at the National Statuary Hall in Washington DC.
“Democracy was attacked,” Biden said at the Capitol.
“We the people endure. We the people prevailed. You and I and the whole world saw with our own eyes.”
A series of remembrance events during the day will be widely attended by Democrats, in person and virtually, but almost every Republican on Capitol Hill will be absent. The division is a stark reminder of the rupture between the two parties.
Biden’s speech came after Donald Trump canceled a press conference he had planned to hold in Florida on the anniversary of the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
Trump said in a statement Tuesday evening that he would instead be discussing his grievances at a rally he has planned in Arizona later this month.
“In light of the total bias and dishonesty of the January 6th Unselect Committee of Democrats, two failed Republicans, and the Fake News Media, I am canceling the January 6th Press Conference at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday, and instead will discuss many of those important topics at my rally on Saturday, January 15th, in Arizona,” Trump wrote.
Read our January 6 live blog for the latest news and updates…
Moment of silence to be held at noon
A moment of silence will be held at noon ET today, according to Senator Schumer.
The New York State Senator is currently recounting his experience from one year ago on the Senate Floor.
Many other elected officials will be sharing their accounts of January 6, 2021 today, Schumer said.
Senator Chuck Schumer delivers remarks from the Senate floor
“One year ago today, on January 6, 2021, mob violence descended upon this chamber and upon this Capitol,” Schumer said.
“Nearly 140 police officers were injured and at least five people lost their lives that day or in its aftermath.
Schumer borrowed from President Franklin D. Roosevelt, calling January 6, 2021 “a day that will live in infamy.”
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issues comments
When asked about the one-year anniversary of the events of January 6, 2021, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had a few thoughts to share, according to New York Times Miami bureau chief Patricia Mazzei.
“It’s interesting how everything in our society becomes very politicized,” he started.
“January 6 allows them [the media] to create narratives that are negative about people that supported Donald Trump.”
“Look, if you obstruct a proceeding, all about holding people accountable. If you’re rioting, hold accountable,” DeSantis said later.
Former President Obama releases a statement
On the one-year anniversary of the attack on the US Capitol, former President Barack Obama released a statement on his social media platforms.
“One year ago, a violent attack on our Capitol made it clear just how fragile the American experiment in democracy really is,” the statement begins.
“Historically, Americans have been defenders of democracy and freedom around the world – especially when it’s under attack.
“But we can’t serve that role when leading figures in one of our two major political parties are actively undermining democracy at home.
“If we want our children to grow up in a true democracy – not just one with elections, but one where every voice matters and every vote counts – we need to nurture and protect it.
“Today, that responsibility falls to all of us. And on this anniversary, nothing is more important.”
How long did Biden speak for?
Vice President Harris opened with remarks lasting about 10 minutes.
President Biden then took the podium and spoke for just over 20 minutes.
The speeches concluded just after 9:40am ET.
Trump responds to Biden’s remarks
Former President Trump released a statement following the conclusion of President Biden’s remarks.
“Biden … used my name today to try to further divide America.
“The Democrats want to own this day of January 6th so they can stoke fears and divide America.
“I say, let them have it because America sees through theirs lies and polarizations.”
Biden speaks to the press
President Biden answered a few questions from the press after his remarks at the Capitol.
He said “this is serious stuff” and “you gotta face it.”
“That’s what great nations do. They face the truth, deal with it, and move on.”
Trump condemns the attack, continued
The outgoing president insisted “we don’t want anybody hurt.”
Before telling his supporters they are “very special” and “we love you,” Trump acknowledged this is a “tough” time.
He added: “There’s never been a period of time like this where such a thing happened where they could take it away from all of us.
“This was a fraudulent election, but we can’t play in to the hands of these people. We have to have peace.”
The president urged people to “go home and go home in peace” – insisting that he knows how they feel.
Trump did condemn the attack
On January 6, 2021, then-President Trump did condemn the attack on the nation’s capital.
In a video statement, Trump said: “I know your pain. I know you’re hurt. We had an election that was stolen from us.
“It was a landslide election and everyone knows it – especially the other side.
“But you have to go home now. We have to have peace. We have to have Law and Order. We have to respect our great people in Law and Order.”
Biden concludes his remarks with a reminder
“Here in America, the people rule through the ballot.
“So let us remember together we’re one nation, under God, indivisible.
“That today, tomorrow, and forever at our best we are the United States of America.”
Biden speaks of ‘light and hope’
“We are in a battle for the soul of America. A battle that by the grace of God … we will win.
“I know how difficult democracy is, and I’m crystal clear about the threats America faces.
“But I also know that our darkest days can lead to light and hope.
“I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of democracy.”
Biden names those who gave their lives on January 6, 2021
“Some have already made the ultimate sacrifice.”
He referenced Officer Brian Sicknick and others who lost their lives as a result of the attack on the Capitol.
Biden also referenced all of the police officers and workers who were injured.
Biden says to ‘preserve the flame of democracy’
“Now it’s up to all of us … to stand for the rule of law. To preserve the flame of democracy. To keep the promise of America alive.
“Our founding fathers, as imperfect as they were, set in motion an experiment that changed the world.
“Here in America, the people would rule. Powere would be transferred peacefully.
Biden speaks of ‘third big lie’
Biden speaks of the acts committed by “patriots” on January 6, 2021.
“You can’t love your country only when you win.
“You can’t be patriotic when you embrace and enable lies.
“Those who stormed this Capitol … held a dagger at the throat of America and American democracy.
“They came here enraged, not in service of America.”
Biden speaks of ‘recounts’ and 2020 election
“Second big lie … is that the results of the election of 2020 can’t be trusted.
Biden says no other election in history has been more closely counted.
“Recounts were undertaken in state after state.
Georgia recounted three times, the President says.
“None changed the results.”
Biden speaks of 2020 election
“The election of 2020 was the greatest demonstration of democracy in the history of this country.
“Over 150million Americans went to the polls and voted that day. In a pandemic.
“That should be applauded, not attacked.”
Biden speaks of democracy and working with Republicans
“Whatever my other disagreements are with other Republicans … I will always seek to work together with them.
“We have a shared belief in democracy, then anything is possible.
“At this moment, we must decide: What kind of nation are we going to be?”
Biden speaks of Former President Trump
“We are a great nation.
“We must be absolutely clear about what is true and what is a lie.
“And here is the truth: The former President of the United States of America has created and spread a web of lies about the 2020 election.
“His bruised ego matters more to him than our … Constitution.
“He refused to accept the results of the election.”
Biden recalls January 6, 2021
“We saw with our own eyes rioters menace these halls, threaten the life of the Speaker of the House.
“What did we not see?
“We didn’t see a former President … watching it all on television and doing nothing for hours.
“This was an armed insurrection.
“They were looking to deny the will of the people.
“This is about making sure the past isn’t buried.”
Biden continues his remarks about January 6, 2021
“We shall know the truth.
“Here is the God’s truth about January 6, 2021.
“Close your eyes. Go back to that day. What do you see?
“Rioters rampaging.
“Even during the Civil War, that never ever happened.
“But it happened here in 2021.”
Biden speaks of ‘gravest attacks’
“Our democracy held.
We the People endured.
We the People prevailed.”
President Biden begins his speech
“To state the obvious, one year ago today in this sacred place, democracy was attacked.
Simply attacked.”
Harris speaks of the ‘American spirit’
“The American spirit is being tested.
“The answer to whether we will meet that test resides where it always has resided in our country, with you, the people.
“And the work ahead will not be easy.
“Let’s be clear. We must pass voting rights bills that are now before the Senate. And the American people must also do something more.
“We must unite in defense of our democracy in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our prosperity and posterity.”
Harris speaks of ‘fragility’ and ‘strength’ of democracy
“If we are not vigilant, if we do not defend it, democracy will simply not stand.
“The violent assault that took place here … that reflects the fragility of democracy.
“Yet the resolve I saw in our elected leaders … their resolve not to yield but to certify the election … that reflects its strength.”
Harris continues her remarks
“We cannot let our future be decided by those bent on … peddling lies and misinformation,” the Vice President said.
“When I meet with young people they often ask about the state of our democracy.
And what I tell them is January 6 represents the dual nature of democracy.
“The strength of democracy is the rule of law.
The strength of democracy is that the people should be treated equally.”
Source: thesun
