As the nation nears the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) has issued a pointed reminder of the events that unfolded that day. 2 In a video posted to his Facebook page on January 2, 2026, Walkinshaw emphasized the importance of not forgetting the incident, which he described as an attempt by then-President Donald Trump to subvert the 2020 election results. 2

“As we approach the anniversary of January 6th, we can’t afford to forget what happened,” Walkinshaw stated in the video. “A sitting U.S. president tried to subvert the results of a free and fair election and then cheered on a violent mob to attack our Capitol, police officers, and the Vice President.” 2 He added, “When the history books are written about Donald Trump, January 6th will be in the first paragraph.” 2

The statement was also shared on other platforms, including Threads and Instagram, where it garnered attention amid ongoing discussions about the legacy of the Capitol riot. 3 5 Walkinshaw, who represents Virginia’s 11th congressional district, has been vocal on issues related to democracy and oversight, serving on the House Oversight and Homeland Security committees.

The January 6 attack saw thousands of Trump supporters storm the Capitol in an effort to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries to law enforcement officers. Over 1,400 individuals have been charged in connection with the riot, with ongoing legal proceedings and pardons issued by President Trump in his second term sparking renewed debate. 2 Walkinshaw’s comments come at a time when reflections on the event continue to divide political lines, with some viewing it as an insurrection and others as a protest gone awry.

Walkinshaw’s office did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment, but the video has already received thousands of views and shares across social media. 4 As the anniversary approaches, similar statements from other Democratic leaders highlight concerns over historical accountability and the health of American democracy.