Washington, DC (June 10, 2022) — Yesterday, as the nation tuned into the House Select Committee hearings on January 6th, our country was once again reminded of the brazen assault on our democracy. The attack on the U.S. Capitol Building by a treasonous and violent mob was not only inspired by former President Donald Trump, but it was an orchestrated and premeditated effort to prevent Congress from officially certifying the Electoral College victory of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President Elect Kamala Harris. That effort quickly devolved into a violent raid by thousands of right-wing extremists and white nationalists who lawlessly stormed into the Capitol Building, penetrated the chambers and ransacked Congressional offices with deadly intent.
Melanie L. Campbell, President & CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and Convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR), issued the following statement: “Yesterday, our nation was reminded of the sinister forces working to undermine the future of our multi-racial democracy. As we relived the events of that dark day for our democracy, it was reaffirmed that the deadly events of January 6th were not only premeditated, but they were orchestrated with the protection and cover of those from the Trump Administration – including Donald Trump himself.
“As the past months have shown, in every corner of our country, Democracy as we know it is under attack — from our sacred right to vote to reproductive justice and our ability to live free of gun violence.
“As we continue to learn more about the deadly acts behind the Jan 6th insurrection — a violent attack rooted in white supremacy and nationalism — we urge the Congress to stand strong in demanding that all those involved in plotting this heinous act are held accountable.”