Illinois politicians reflect on January 6th Capitol attack: 3rd anniversary

Three years since the Capitol attack, politicians reflect on the violence. Divided opinions on the event and fears of future threats.

Three years have passed since the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, when thousands of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the building to protest the 2020 election results. The event resulted in more than 100 police officers being injured and rioters causing millions of dollars in damage.

Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois' 5th district described it as "perhaps the darkest day in our democracy since the Civil War." He shared his personal experience of sitting in the House Chambers, ready to certify the results of a fair and free election as mandated by the Constitution when chaos erupted.

A recent Washington Post-University of Maryland poll revealed that attitudes about the attack are deeply divided along partisan lines. Concerns have been raised about a shift in perception of what took place that day, with fewer Republicans now acknowledging it as an insurrection.

Representative Brad Schneider of Illinois' 10th district, who was also in the Capitol that day, expressed concerns about the lingering belief in election irregularities and emphasized the need for law enforcement to have the resources to identify and intercept any possible threats. He also stressed the importance of changing the discourse and engaging in respectful political dialogue.

Former Republican Congressman Rodney Davis, who was inside the Capitol on January 6th, described the day as one of the most terrifying moments he ever experienced as a member of Congress. He credited Capitol Police with ensuring his and his colleagues' safety but expressed concerns about the security apparatus's preparedness for future attacks.

Davis initially supported an independent commission to investigate the January 6th attack and emphasized the importance of better preparation and intelligence sharing to prevent similar events in the future.

The article also highlighted the legal consequences and political implications of the attack, with former President Donald Trump facing charges related to the 2020 election. Concerns were raised about the potential for future threats in the lead-up to the 2024 election.

Overall, the article provided a detailed and comprehensive overview of the lingering impact of the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol, incorporating the perspectives of various individuals involved in or affected by the events of that day.