Five Years On: January 6 Capitol Riot Anniversary Highlights Ongoing Divisions

Wed Feb 18 2026 21:22:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

On the fifth anniversary of the Capitol riot, political tensions remain high as events unfold reflecting the polarized views surrounding the day. Former President Trump deflects blame, while Democrats hold a panel to discuss the importance of history amid security concerns.

As the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot passes without a unified memorial, both political parties reflect sharply contrasting narratives. Trump blames rioters for the violence, while Democrats emphasize the need for accountability. A fragmented observance underscores the lingering divisions in Washington. With heightened discussions around security and political integrity, the events of that day continue to shape the American political landscape.

WASHINGTON – Five years after the insurrection at the Capitol, the political landscape surrounding January 6 remains sharply divided. On this anniversary, outgoing President Donald Trump addressed House Republicans, distancing himself from the actions of rioters. He insisted his call for supporters to march to the Capitol was meant to be peaceful. I only intended for my supporters to go peacefully and patriotically to confront Congress, Trump stated, redirecting focus towards the media's portrayal of his speech before the riot.

Meanwhile, Democrats convened at the Capitol to remember the day and the legislative efforts made to hold accountable those responsible for the events, insisting on the importance of remembering the past to prevent the Orwellian project of forgetting that Rep. Jamie Raskin warned about.

A midday march retracing the rioters' steps was led by the former leader of the Proud Boys, Enrique Tarrio, who is currently serving a lengthy prison sentence for seditious conspiracy related to the January 6 attack. Only 100 supporters participated, including the mother of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot during the riot, highlighting the ongoing divide in public sentiment.

A panel discussion on Capitol Hill included testimony from retired Capitol Police Officer Winston Pingeon and rioter Pamela Hemphill, the latter delivering an emotional apology for her actions and expressing the need for the law enforcement plaque to be displayed as a sign of recognition for the Capitol defenders.

In a contrasting vein, the newly formed committee under Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk criticized the ongoing discussions as partisan, emphasizing the need for transparency regarding security lapses during the Capitol attack while deflecting the narrative that Trump instigated the violence.

The tragedy of that day continues to echo as the administration faces scrutiny regarding the security of the Capitol and the broader implications of Trump's influence on the Republican party. As these events unfold, it remains clear that the legacy of January 6 and its implications for democracy in America are still under intense debate.