Democracy Forward President & CEO Skye Perryman released the following statement on the third anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol:

“Three years ago, a violent mob stormed the Capitol and attacked not just a building and the people defending it, but American democracy itself. Today, at the beginning of what will be a pivotal year for our democracy, we must understand that the threat we saw during the January 6 insurrection was just the most visible attempt by the anti-democratic forces seeking to wield power over our nation — and a foreshadowing of further harm and chaos if we do not meet anti-democratic threats head on. For the first time in our nation’s history, a former president has been indicted for attempting to destroy our democratic system because, as the indictment put it, “he was determined to remain in power.” The indictment details an alleged plot to assault a fundamental element of American democracy: our elections and the peaceful transfer of presidential power. 

“Make no mistake: anti-democracy forces are working to undermine the freedoms we hold dear, the protections our government has in place to prevent people from harm, and the very institutions necessary to ensure our nation’s promise of a bold, vibrant democracy for all people. The coordinated efforts of these extremists are already proving pervasive in state legislatures, courts, and on Capitol Hill, and this anti-democratic minority has made clear how drastic their actions will be in the year ahead. 

“This crisis presents a generationally defining opportunity for Americans—it presents an opportunity to realize a democracy in which people and communities thrive. We at Democracy Forward understand how crucial it is that we use all available tools within our legal system and in our communities to secure the promise of democracy for all, including future generations. Since January 6, 2021 we have nearly tripled the size of our organization and are working in more states and communities than ever before. We remain committed to defending our rights, disrupting those who seek to undermine democracy, and building a future where all in our nation can thrive. The American people believe in the promise and potential of democracy and we go to work every day to make that belief a reality 

“We remain solemnly grateful for the brave people who defended the Capitol on January 6 and in solidarity with the many families and communities directly affected by the violence of that tragic day.”

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