How January 6 Shook My Faith in America

January 6, 2021, is etched in my memory as a day that fundamentally changed my faith in democracy in the United States. For over six decades, I believed that despite the intensity of political campaigns or occasional controversy over election results, the peaceful transition of power—a hallmark of our democracy—was an unshakable certainty. That belief was shattered on this fateful day.

That fateful day began like any other for me but quickly spiraled into an unprecedented crisis. Galvanized by claims of a stolen election, protesters gathered in Washington, D.C. The crowd was diverse: some came with peaceful intentions to express their grievances, while others arrived with a more destructive agenda. The nation watched with curiosity and concern as they marched toward the U.S. Capitol. What followed was a series of events that would leave an indelible mark in my mind.

The breach of the Capitol—a place that symbolizes the very heart of American democracy—was shocking and surreal. Windows shattered, doors were forced open, and the chambers that had long housed debates about the nation's future were suddenly overrun. Lawmakers, staff, and journalists were hurriedly evacuated or barricaded in their offices as the mob roamed the halls. The imagery was disturbing to watch as individuals draped in flags, others dressed in tactical gear, and the chaos of confrontation between the rioters and the overwhelmed law enforcement officers.

The human toll of that day was profound. According to police reports, 150 officers were injured. These officers, tasked with protecting the Capitol and the democratic process, were outnumbered and attacked. Tragically, one protestor was shot and killed during the chaos, a police officer suffered a fatal stroke, and another officer’s trauma from the event led him to take his own life shortly thereafter. These are not mere statistics; they are human lives irrevocably altered by the events of January 6.

The nation’s response to this day has been as divided as the political climate that led to it. On one hand, some insist that violence—especially against law enforcement—must not go unpunished. Law enforcement agencies and many Americans view the actions of the violent rioters as an affront to the rule of law and a direct attack on democracy. On the other hand, some individuals, including some politicians, downplay or even question the events of that day. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s January 21, 2025, remarks illustrate this divide. When he stated that he did not believe the violence occurred because he hadn’t seen the video, it underscored the difficulty of achieving a shared understanding of what happened.

The recent pardons granted to virtually all the protestors on January 21, 2025, further highlight this divide. For some, these pardons represent a miscarriage of justice, a failure to hold accountable those who threatened the democratic process. For others, they are a necessary step toward healing and reconciliation in a nation deeply fractured along ideological lines. I choose not to pass judgment on the pardons themselves; instead, I focus on the more profound implications of January 6 and what it means for the future of democracy in this country.

For me, the most devastating consequence of that day was not the violence itself, though it was horrifying. It was the realization that I no longer live in a country where the peaceful transfer of power is taken for granted. This fundamental cornerstone of democracy, which I had assumed was unassailable, now feels precarious. The events of January 6 revealed a fragility in the democratic process that I had never contemplated.

I recall watching the news as the chaos unfolded, seeing images of individuals smashing windows, storming into offices, and chanting slogans. It starkly contrasted with the serene scenes of past inaugurations or the solemnity of legislative proceedings. In those moments, I felt a profound sense of loss—not just for the immediate damage being done to the Capitol, but for what it symbolized. It was as if the very idea of democracy was under siege.

This sense of loss was compounded by the rhetoric I heard from some politicians and commentators in the aftermath. Statements suggesting that a peaceful transition of power was conditional—dependent on the perceived fairness of the election—were deeply troubling. This conditional approach to democracy is a dangerous precedent that erodes trust in the institutions designed to safeguard our freedoms.

I think back to previous moments in history when election results were contested. The 2000 election between George W. Bush and Al Gore stands out. The controversy over Florida’s vote count, the hanging chads, and the Supreme Court’s decision in Bush v. Gore created significant tension. Yet, despite these challenges, the transition of power occurred without violence. Although laden with disappointment, Al Gore’s concession speech was a testament to his commitment to the democratic process. I assumed this was the norm that no matter how fierce the political battles, the transition of power would remain peaceful. January 6 shattered that assumption.

As I reflect on the events of that day and their aftermath, my thoughts turn to the future. I worry about the world my children and grandchildren will inherit. Will they grow up in a country where democracy thrives or falters under the weight of division and distrust? Will they see elections as a means of resolving differences or as flashpoints for conflict? These questions weigh heavily on my mind.

The events of January 6 have renewed my sense of urgency about protecting and strengthening our democratic institutions. This task cannot be left to politicians alone; it requires the active engagement of all citizens. It means fostering a culture of respect for differing viewpoints, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring the rule of law applies equally to all.

Ultimately, January 6, 2021, was a wake-up call. It exposed vulnerabilities in our democracy and reminded us that the rights and freedoms we cherish are not guaranteed—they must be actively defended. While I grieve for what was lost that day, I also find hope in the resilience of those who stood firm in their commitment to the democratic process, from the lawmakers who returned to certify the election results that evening to the citizens who continue to advocate for justice and accountability.

This hope fuels my belief that, while I may no longer take the peaceful transition of power for granted, we should all strive to preserve it. By confronting the challenges revealed on January 6 and working together to tackle them, we can ensure that our democracy will survive for future generations.