Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-01-06

RECOGNIZING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6, 2021

ImmigrationGun PolicyTaxes

Context

On 2026-01-06, Representative André Carson (D-IN-7) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6, 2021" in the House. The speech addressed immigration and also covered gun policy, taxes.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6, 2021

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E4] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6, 2021 ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 5th anniversary of a day that shook our Nation--the violent assault on the United States Capitol. On January 6, 2021, an armed mob stormed the people's house in an assault on our democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful transfer of power. On January 6, 2021, insurrectionists targeted Congress and our country's leaders. This included me, when a man drove across the country to the Capitol and was eventually brought to justice for his crimes. He was indicted, convicted and imprisoned on 17 gun and ammunition charges after police found an arsenal of explosive devices, firearms, and other weapons in his truck, along with a hit list of targets, which included my name and the notation ``one of two Muslims in the House of Reps.'' Rioters also targeted my fellow Hoosier, Vice President Mike Pence, erecting a noose and gallows on Capitol grounds with calls to ``Hang Mike Pence.'' That hellish day, the Capitol Police and first responders put their lives on the line to save ours, and they deserve our endless thanks. Today, my Democratic colleagues and I proudly display a plaque outside our offices that memorialize those who fought for our capitol and were injured or lost their lives. But simply honoring those officers with words is not enough. We must honor them with our actions--rejecting misinformation, upholding the integrity of our elections, and ensuring no one is above the law. As soon as President Trump was sworn in the second time, he took the unprecedented action of pardoning all January 6 rioters, including the man who was convicted and imprisoned after targeting me. Since their release, at least 23 individuals have re-offended and committed crimes that include plotting the murder of FBI agents, violent assault, strangulation, possession of child sexual abuse material, and reckless DUI homicide. Despite the clear evidence of crimes committed by these individuals-- on January 6, 2021, and after--President Trump continues to defend insurrectionists but demonize immigrant neighbors who have committed no violent crimes and are being denied due process. Immigration arrests under the Trump administration average 30,000 a month--and yet, less than 5 percent of those individuals have been convicted of a crime. This sober anniversary is a moment of reflection, especially for those of us who were working at the Capitol that day. It is also a day of resolve and rededication--to make sure nothing like this happens again. We must defend our democracy and our democratic institutions, protect the rights of due process, and create peace through justice for every American. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6, 2021 Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 6, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E4] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF JANUARY 6, 2021 ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 5th anniversary of a day that shook our Nation--the violent assault on the United States Capitol. On January 6, 2021, an armed mob stormed the people's house in an assault on our democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful transfer of power. On January 6, 2021, insurrectionists targeted Congress and our country's leaders. This included me, when a man drove across the country to the Capitol and was eventually brought to justice for his crimes. He was indicted, convicted and imprisoned on 17 gun and ammunition charges after police found an arsenal of explosive devices, firearms, and other weapons in his truck, along with a hit list of targets, which included my name and the notation ``one of two Muslims in the House of Reps.'' Rioters also targeted my fellow Hoosier, Vice President Mike Pence, erecting a noose and gallows on Capitol grounds with calls to ``Hang Mike Pence.'' That hellish day, the Capitol Police and first responders put their lives on the line to save ours, and they deserve our endless thanks. Today, my Democratic colleagues and I proudly display a plaque outside our offices that memorialize those who fought for our capitol and were injured or lost their lives. But simply honoring those officers with words is not enough. We must honor them with our actions--rejecting misinformation, upholding the integrity of our elections, and ensuring no one is above the law. As soon as President Trump was sworn in the second time, he took the unprecedented action of pardoning all January 6 rioters, including the man who was convicted and imprisoned after targeting me. Since their release, at least 23 individuals have re-offended and committed crimes that include plotting the murder of FBI agents, violent assault, strangulation, possession of child sexual abuse material, and reckless DUI homicide. Despite the clear evidence of crimes committed by these individuals-- on January 6, 2021, and after--President Trump continues to defend insurrectionists but demonize immigrant neighbors who have committed no violent crimes and are being denied due process. Immigration arrests under the Trump administration average 30,000 a month--and yet, less than 5 percent of those individuals have been convicted of a crime. This sober anniversary is a moment of reflection, especially for those of us who were working at the Capitol that day. It is also a day of resolve and rededication--to make sure nothing like this happens again. We must defend our democracy and our democratic institutions, protect the rights of due process, and create peace through justice for every American. ____________________