January 6, 2021, was a dark day in American history. For millions of Americans, it felt like a betrayal — an attack on the very heart of our democracy. The images from that day — rioters breaching the U.S. Capitol, the sacred symbol of our democratic ideals — are seared into our collective memory. We watched as the Capitol was desecrated, as lawmakers were forced into hiding, while law enforcement officers were overwhelmed and outnumbered. What transpired was not merely a breach of security; it was a violent attempt to overthrow a legitimate election and subvert the will of the American people.
While many may be hesitant to call the January 6 insurrection what it truly was, there’s no question: It was a terrorist attack. To some, this may seem an extreme characterization, especially compared to the attacks on September 11, 2001. But the nature of terrorism is not simply about the scale of destruction or the number of casualties. It’s about the intent to create fear, chaos, and instability in society. And that was precisely the aim of the events on January 6.
The Motive: Undermining Democracy
The terrorist acts of September 11 were intended to instill fear, disrupt daily life, and challenge American power. The attack on the Capitol on January 6 sought to do the same — but with the goal of dismantling the democratic process itself. Encouraged by Donald Trump’s lies, a violent mob, spurred on by false claims of election fraud, stormed the seat of American government in a direct attempt to halt the certification of a legitimate election result.
It is crucial to recognize that terrorism is not solely defined by large-scale loss of life. While the Capitol attack tragically led to deaths, injuries, and trauma, its true significance lies in the broader assault on American democracy. The rioters were not only attempting to violently take control of a federal building; they were attacking the very idea that elections should be free and fair, that the people’s voice matters. The event undermined the rule of law and destabilized the political order.
The Impact: Deepening Divisions and Threatening National Security
The January 6 insurrection had ripple effects across the nation, deepening the political divide and raising urgent questions about the security of our democratic institutions. In the aftermath, we saw not only the physical scars left on the Capitol building but also the emotional and psychological wounds inflicted on the nation. Many Americans found themselves grappling with the realization that the fundamental values of democracy were not as invulnerable as they once seemed.
What makes this form of terrorism particularly insidious is that it is not just an isolated attack by foreign actors. It was carried out by citizens of this country, driven by extremist ideologies and fueled by a toxic blend of disinformation and grievance. This is a warning sign that we cannot ignore: The threat to national security now comes not just from abroad, but from within our own borders. The same kind of extremism that has previously plagued other parts of the world is taking root here, and it is being nurtured by those who wish to exploit divisions for political gain.
Comparing to 9/11: A Different Kind of Threat
It’s important to acknowledge that comparing January 6 to 9/11 does not diminish the profound horror and devastation of the attacks in 2001. The loss of life on 9/11 was tragic, and the toll it took on the American psyche cannot be overstated. But to claim that January 6 does not represent a similar attack on American values would be to misinterpret the nature of terrorism in the modern world.
The attacks on September 11 were a direct assault by a foreign enemy. They were an effort to instill fear on a national scale through horrific violence and loss of life. The attack on the Capitol, while it did not result in the same immediate level of destruction, was equally aimed at destabilizing the nation’s core institutions and values. The goal was not just to cause chaos in the moment but to spark a deeper crisis, one that could undermine faith in democratic processes and institutions for generations to come.
This makes January 6, 2021, the worst terrorist attack on American soil since 9/11. It was a blow not just to the physical infrastructure of our government, but to the very idea of democracy itself.
As we reflect on the events of January 6, we must resist the temptation to downplay the severity of what occurred. This was not just a protest gone wrong or a group of misguided citizens expressing frustration. It was an organized, violent assault aimed at the heart of American democracy. We must recognize it as such — not to inflame divisions, but to ensure that we never forget the lessons it teaches us.
We must confront the domestic terrorism that seeks to tear us apart with the same vigilance, unity, and resolve that we showed after 9/11.
We cannot afford to forget. The attack on the Capitol was not an isolated incident, but part of a broader threat to our democracy. The consequences of January 6 will reverberate for years to come, and it is up to each of us to ensure that our nation remains committed to the principles of liberty, justice, and democracy.
Terrorism comes in many forms, and it can take root in places we least expect. But it is in the face of such attacks — both foreign and domestic — that we find our strength and our resolve.
NEVER FORGET.
