The fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, events at the U.S. Capitol, observed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, saw a wide range of responses from political figures and public groups. The day was characterized by significant political division, the release of a revised narrative by the White House, and discussions surrounding presidential pardons related to the incident.
Anniversary Observance and Political Divisions
Congressional Democrats marked the anniversary by convening an unofficial hearing and criticizing former President Donald Trump and certain Republican actions. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated, "Donald Trump and far-right extremists in Congress have repeatedly attempted to rewrite history and whitewash the horrific events of Jan. 6. We will not let that happen." Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi added that Trump "continues to lie about what happened that day," characterizing his statements as "an insult to the courage of our founders." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump's pardons related to January 6, calling them "among the most sickening things Donald Trump has done in office," and a "betrayal of law enforcement, of democracy."
In contrast, congressional Republicans largely remained silent on the occasion. Republican congressman Mike Collins described the events of January 6, 2021, on X as a "self-guided, albeit unauthorized, tour" by "thousands of peaceful grandmothers and others" seeking to "exercise their First Amendment right about the irregularities of the 2020 election," with some individuals entering and exploring the building before leaving. This description differs from accounts of the day's events.
Former President Trump made no public comments on the anniversary itself, but addressed House Republicans at the Kennedy Center. He criticized the House select committee that investigated him, alleging it failed to report his comments from that day instructing supporters to march "peacefully and patriotically" to the Capitol. White House communications director Steven Cheung posted on X, stating, "Never forget the lies Democrats and the media tried to force upon the American people."
White House Releases Revised Narrative
Coinciding with the anniversary, the White House unveiled a new webpage presenting a revised account of the January 6, 2021, events. The administration's timeline on the website described pro-Trump marchers as "peaceful" and "orderly." It asserted that the Capitol Police response initiated tensions, claiming: "Capitol Police aggressively fire tear gas, flash bangs, and rubber munitions into crowds of peaceful protesters, injuring many and deliberately escalating tensions. Video evidence shows officers inexplicably removing barricades, opening Capitol doors, and even waving attendees inside the building -- actions that facilitated entry -- while simultaneously deploying violent force against others. These inconsistent and provocative tactics turned a peaceful demonstration into chaos." The website also stated that former President Trump urged calm that day and "consistently promotes non-violence despite the attack on attendees and emotions running high," and included claims that the 2020 election was stolen.
The White House webpage also attributed "Security Lapses" to then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, referencing footage where Pelosi stated, "I take full responsibility for not having them just prepare for more." Ian Krager, a spokesperson for Pelosi, described the clip as "cherry-picked" and out of context, asserting that the Speaker of the House is not responsible for Capitol Complex security.
Presidential Pardons and Reactions
Former President Trump, since returning to office, has pardoned nearly all individuals convicted or charged in connection with the violence, including some with convictions for other serious offenses. Source 2 specified these were "sweeping pardons" issued on the first day of his second term.
Former U.S. Capitol police officer Winston Pingeon, who testified at the Democratic-convened hearing, recounted being attacked by individuals claiming, "President Trump sent us." Pingeon stated that the pardoning of individuals convicted of violence against officers was "completely unacceptable" and not justice. He also stated in 2024, "We were there protecting. We were there to hold a line. We're not pushing back unless we're pushed on first."
Pam Hemphill, an individual charged in connection with the events, declined a pardon and appeared at the hearing "to make amends." She stated, "Accepting that pardon would be lying about what happened on January the sixth. I am guilty, and I own that guilt," adding that she had "fallen for the president's lies."
Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, criticized President Trump's pardons on the Senate floor, stating they conveyed a message that certain actions at the Capitol might be excused under a sympathetic administration.
Context of January 6, 2021, and its Aftermath
The January 6, 2021, events resulted in nine deaths and more than 100 law enforcement officers sustaining injuries. Several individuals died in connection with the events, including Trump supporters Ashli Babbitt, Kevin Greeson, Rosanne Boyland, and Benjamin Philips, as well as Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, some of whom died later by suicide.
Approximately 1,500 people were charged in connection with the incident. Of these, 608 faced charges for assaulting, resisting, or interfering with law enforcement, with roughly 174 of those 608 charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious injury to an officer. A bipartisan congressional committee investigating the attack recommended that President Trump face charges for his involvement, concluding that evidence suggested an intent to disrupt the peaceful transition of power.
Anniversary Protests and Engagements
In the afternoon of the anniversary, several dozen individuals, some identifying as having received pardons, marched from the White House ellipse to the Capitol. They were intercepted by police before reaching the grounds. A smaller group was later permitted to approach the west front to place flowers in memory of Ashli Babbitt, who was fatally shot by a Capitol police officer while attempting to breach a barricaded door during the 2021 events. The Trump administration reportedly agreed to a nearly $5 million payout to Babbitt's family and to grant her military honors in the past year.
Democratic congressman Tom Suozzi briefly engaged the protesters, asking, "How do you feel about tasing a police officer? How do you feel about committing crimes?" A protester responded, "Oh, we didn't commit no crimes." Enrique Tarrio, the former national leader of the Proud Boys, who was convicted of charges related to the attack and subsequently pardoned by President Trump, indicated in an interview that he anticipates similar marches will occur annually on January 6.
Related Developments
Controversy also resurfaced regarding a legally mandated plaque honoring officers who responded to the attack, which House Speaker Mike Johnson has not yet installed. Democratic congressman Jamie Raskin urged Speaker Johnson to install the plaque, stating, "It's gathering dust in a closet somewhere." Senator Thom Tillis, a Republican, speaking on the Senate floor, also criticized Democrats for fostering a negative perception of law enforcement following 2020 racial justice protests.