Statement on January 6 and the Importance of Facts

Republican Women for Progress stands with our fellow Republicans, including Representatives Cheney and Kinzinger, who condemn acts of violent insurrection against our country and work to hold those who continue to perpetuate falsehoods accountable. The recent public hearings continue to provide overwhelmingly conclusive evidence that the events of January 6th were indeed a violent assault on our Democracy.

Mischaracterizations of January 6th as a harmless protest are a deliberate attempt to recast history and avoid accountability for the event. In a rush to shirk responsibility, select Republican Members of Congress risk undermining a critical pillar of our democracy — a collective agreement on credible facts. 

There is a powerful difference between not liking the outcome of the November election and refusing to acknowledge the validity of the outcome. Likewise, there is a momentous difference between domestic terrorists storming the U.S. Capitol Building and a peaceful protest. We all witnessed the storming of the Capitol by armed citizens. We all witnessed the physical confrontations between law enforcement and an angry mob threatening death to Vice President Pence and other Members of Congress. We all witnessed the end of our democracy’s tradition of nonviolent transitions of power. To continue minimizing the storming of the Capitol is not only irresponsible, it is also dangerous. The perpetuation of falsehoods in this case further entrenches the deep divisions we face as a nation and tacitly endorses violence as a response to political differences. At times of unrest, our elected leaders should be helping us heal, not sowing distrust for political gain.  

Our nation must acknowledge the gravity of January 6th if we want to protect our democracy’s tradition of nonviolent transitions of power. Republican Women for Progress supports those lawmakers demanding accountability, and we urge our fellow Americans to join us in our loyalty to our democracy.