Murray Statement Ahead of January 6th Anniversary

Statement

"Three years ago, I sheltered in my office in the U.S. Capitol while insurrectionists stormed the building, intent on using violence against me and my colleagues, to overthrow the will of the people that is the bedrock of our democracy. What happened on January 6, 2021, was a coordinated, violent effort to stop the peaceful transfer of power--and it made clear that we cannot ever take our democracy for granted.

This attack was inflamed and cheered on by a president determined to hold on to power despite losing a free and fair election. His self-serving lies fueled the anger and violence that day, and even now, President Trump and his allies have not stopped spreading lies about the election he lost and the insurrection they inspired.

I will not let the history of that day be rewritten. It was an attack on our very democracy--a violent one. People brought dangerous weapons. They built a gallows and shouted "kill the infidels' as they charged through the hallways. They left broken glass in their wake, feces on the walls, and the blood of Capitol Police officers on the floor. And while they failed in their violent attempt to prevent the certification of the 2020 election, the insurrection they led delayed it for several dark hours. These are just a few of the brutal facts of that horrific day.

I will not let the lessons of that day be forgotten. Democracy--the idea that we are a country where we can debate and have our voices peacefully heard through free and fair elections--is the core principle of America. But democracy doesn't just happen--we have to work for it. Our democracy is only as strong as our commitment to it. If we want to stay a country where our voices and our votes--not brute force--determine our future, then we have to defend the right to vote and our democratic institutions.

Today, our nation should recognize the Capitol Police who fought bravely to protect us so the will of the people could prevail three years ago. And as long as I am in the Senate, I will continue using every tool I've got to protect our democracy and ensure Americans can exercise their right to vote and be confident the results of our elections will be respected."

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