On January 6, 2026, five years after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, House Democrats convened a hearing to mark the anniversary of the violent breach that sought to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. This event highlighted the ongoing political divide regarding the interpretation of those events, as no official commemorations were planned by the Republican Party.

Former President Donald Trump addressed Republican lawmakers at the Kennedy Center, where he made only brief references to the riot, focusing instead on criticizing the congressional investigation and media coverage. The attack resulted in injuries to approximately 140 police officers and the deaths of several individuals, including a Trump supporter shot by police during the chaos.

Democratic leaders, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, emphasized the importance of remembering the implications of the attack for election integrity and the rule of law. They expressed concerns about ongoing threats posed by Trump and far-right extremists, asserting that attempts to rewrite the narrative of January 6 would not be tolerated. Jeffries stated, 'We will not let that happen.'

In contrast, Trump’s administration has been accused of manipulating voter registration processes, raising concerns about potential misuse of personal information. Trump has also suggested the abandonment of mail-in ballots and hinted at a possible run for a third presidential term in 2028, which would conflict with constitutional provisions.

The day also featured a march organized by Enrique Tarrio, a former leader of the Proud Boys, who was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in planning the attack. This march included interactions between Trump supporters and counterprotesters, underscoring the ongoing divisions within the political landscape.

Republicans have attempted to shift blame for the attack onto leftist activists, despite a lack of evidence supporting such claims. A new committee has been established by Republican lawmakers to investigate the events of January 6, with its chairman emphasizing the need for accountability based on factual evidence rather than partisan narratives. Meanwhile, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin criticized Republicans for their inaction in addressing the anniversary of the attack, asserting that those who sought to undermine democratic processes would be remembered unfavorably in history.

As the 2024 election approaches, discussions surrounding the events of January 6 continue to highlight the tensions between maintaining democratic integrity and addressing the implications of political violence and state responses.