January 06, 2026

Statement from Chairman Aguilar on the Fifth Anniversary of the January 6th Insurrection

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, former member of the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, released the following statement:

“On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump incited a violent insurrection at the United States Capitol in an effort to steal the 2020 presidential election and halt the peaceful transfer of power. As a result of this tragic day, more than 100 police officers were injured and several lost their lives. I want to thank the Capitol Police officers and other law enforcement agencies who responded that day for their extraordinary bravery and commitment to protecting the public and defending the United States Constitution and the rule of law. Five years later, the January 6th attack remains a stain on our nation’s history and Americans are less safe because of President Donald Trump.

“Rather than keeping his promise to lower costs on day one, Donald Trump pardoned and released 1,500 violent criminals who participated in the attack back into communities across the country on the first day of his second term as president. This included individuals who were found guilty of beating police officers with flagpoles and fire extinguishers, and many who already had long criminal records, including rape, domestic violence and child abuse. Many of these pardoned individuals have since reoffended, threatening public safety and forcing law enforcement to spend time dealing with violent criminals who should have never been released in the first place.

“Now, nearly a year into his second term, Donald Trump has done nothing but make our country less safe and more expensive. It’s clear where the President’s loyalties lie—and it’s not with the hardworking American people—it’s with the violent criminals he sent to do his bidding when he lost the 2020 election.”

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