Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02) released the following statement as the nation commemorates one year since the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol:

“January 6, 2021 was one of the darkest moments in American history,” said Congresswoman Ross. “Just a few days into my first term, a violent mob, encouraged by the former President, attacked the Capitol and attempted to block certification of the presidential election. Insurrectionists threatened the peaceful transfer of power and the safety of everyone who works in the Capitol complex, including U.S. Capitol Police Officers, Members of Congress, and thousands of other dedicated public servants.

“Today, we mourn the brave Americans who died in defense of our democracy and express our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on that terrible day and work tirelessly every day to keep us safe.

“I will forever be inspired that in the evening of January 6th, undaunted by a deadly insurrection, Congress reconvened. We came together on the House floor to perform our sacred duty to the nation by certifying the election results. As Speaker Pelosi has said, ‘Democracy won that night.’

“One year later, while many have sought to downplay and even deny the gravity of these events, the bipartisan Select Committee continues to pursue a thoughtful, fair and incisive investigation. Just as physical attacks could not deter us from completing our work on January 6th, political attacks in the months since have not derailed the House’s efforts to seek truth and justice.

“We will uncover the facts. We will hold those who planned and executed this assault on American democracy accountable. We will ensure that an attack like this never happens again.”

On June 30th, 2021, Congresswoman Ross voted to establish the bipartisan Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Senate Republicans blocked bipartisan legislation that would have established a nonpartisan National Commission to investigate the attack.

###