Pennsylvania Democrats Mark Jan. 6 Anniversary, Reflect on Capitol Riot

Pennsylvania Senate Democrats held a virtual press conference on Monday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump attempted to overturn the certification of the 2020 presidential election. The event, organized by state Sen. Art Haywood (D-Montgomery), emphasized the gravity of the insurrection and its lasting impact on American democracy.

Speakers at the press conference, including state Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) and Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia), reflected on the events of Jan. 6 and their implications for the nation. Hughes described the riot as an “attempted insurrection to overthrow the government of the United States of America,” rejecting attempts to downplay its severity. Saval highlighted the importance of upholding democratic principles, stating, “To have our voices honored and respected, and our decisions democratically upheld, are among our most foundational and essential freedoms.”

More than 1,580 individuals have been charged for their roles in the riot, including dozens from Pennsylvania. Trump, who won the 2024 presidential election, has referred to Jan. 6 as a “day of love” and has promised to pardon those convicted of crimes related to the riot, though it remains unclear whether this would include individuals charged with violent offenses against law enforcement.

Pastor Alisa Wailoo, who was in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, shared her firsthand experiences during the press conference. Wailoo, a pastor at a church in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood, recalled the chaos and fear that gripped the Capitol and surrounding areas. She emphasized the courage of law enforcement officers and civil servants who responded to the crisis, stating, “January 6 reveals part of who we are and where we are as a nation in this moment of time.”

No Republican lawmakers participated in the event, though it is unclear whether any were invited. Wallace Weaver, a spokesperson for Haywood, noted that while Republican lawmakers had been invited to speak in previous years, none had accepted. This year, invitations were extended only to members of the Philadelphia delegation, which consists entirely of Democrats.

The press conference coincided with the certification of the 2024 presidential election results by Congress, which Trump won without objections. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in November, presided over the Senate during the certification process.