After a pipe bomb was discovered during the January 6 Capitol riot, Vice President Kamala Harris was evacuated from the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
According to The Washington Post, the bomb never went off and was found not far from the headquarters.
A person familiar with the matter told the Post Harris traveled to the offices to record video messages expressing her appreciation for those who supported President Joe Biden’s inaugural committee.
The source explained that Harris’ security team told her to evacuate because of the explosive found outside the offices, as the Post reports.
She was then brought to an undisclosed location.
As the outlet notes, a separate bomb was also found at the Republican National Committee. The FBI has not arrested anyone connected to the explosives.
On Thursday, Harris delivered remarks to mark the first anniversary of the riot.
“On January 6th, we all saw what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful: The lawlessness, the violence, the chaos,” Harris said.
She added, “The answer to whether we will meet that test resides where it has always resided in our country – with you, the people. We cannot let our future be decided by those bent on silencing our voices, overturning our votes, and peddling lies and misinformation.”
The vice president compared the riot to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“Certain dates echo throughout history, including dates that instantly remind all who have lived through them, where they were and what they were doing when our democracy came under assault,” Harris said.
She received criticism from several for her comments. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked about Harris’ remarks during a press briefing, as IJR reported.
“So instead of — for those who are being critics of the vice president’s remarks — instead of focusing on or analyzing comparisons of moments in history, I would suggest that they be a part of solving the threat to democracy that occurs today, that is happening today. And they are using this as an excuse not to be a part of that,” Psaki said.
