Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) shared the experience he had with rioters during the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
While delivering remarks on the Senate floor, Schumer said, āI was within 30 feet of these nasty, racist, bigoted insurrectionists. Had someone had a gun, had two of them blocked off the door, who knows what would have happened. I was told later that one of them reportedly said, āThereās the big Jew. Letās get him.'ā
He continued, āBigotry against one is bigotry against all. And I saw something that I had been told later never happened before, the Confederate flag flying in this dear Capitol. Thatās just one of many searing, grotesque images of that unimaginable, most un-American day.ā
According to NPR, more than 725 people have been arrested for their role in the riot. At least 165 have pleaded guilty to charges.
Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a speech Wednesday, āThe Justice Department remains committed to holding all Jan. 6 perpetrators, at any level, accountable under law ā whether they were present that day or were otherwise criminally responsible for the assault on our democracy.ā
He added, āWe will follow the facts wherever they lead.ā
President Joe Bidenargued while delivering remarks democracy was āattackedā that day.
He went on, āThe will of the people was under assault, the Constitution ā our Constitution ā faced the gravest of threats. Outnumbered in the face of a brutal attack, the Capitol police, the DC Metropolitan Police Department, the National Guard and other brave law enforcement officials saved the rule of law. Our democracy held. We the people endured. We the people prevailed.ā
The president vowed to ādefend this nation,ā adding, āAnd I will allow no one to place a dagger at the throat of democracy.ā
