SAN DIEGO — Today, to mark the one year anniversary of the January 6th Capitol insurrection, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement:

“I was in the House gallery when the first insurrectionists breached the Capitol. At the time, those of us in the chamber had no clue what was happening. I thought a few rogues pushed their way through the metal detector until I heard a bang that sounded like gunfire or teargas outside the doors. It was later, once we safely evacuated, that I understood the true gravity of what was occurring: a violent, concerted effort to stop the certification ceremony that would affirm 2020’s electoral votes. It was an attack on the Constitution, our democratic systems, and the nation.

“Many Republican leaders that day—Vice President Mike Pence, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Minority Whip Steve Scalise, House Republican Caucus Chair Elise Stefanik and more—denounced the mob and correctly called it one of the darkest days in American history. When it came time for them to support real action, however, every single one cowered to Trump.

“Even now, they perpetuate the false notion that the election had been rigged, scoff at what should be a united effort to learn the truth, and refuse to take steps that would prevent such an act of terror from happening again. Our democracy requires the fearless participation and resolve of both political parties, and it saddens me to see how Republican leadership was too scared to stand up for America when we needed them most.

“The only way to ensure our democratic institutions survive is to ensure accountability. Democrats and the handful of Republicans who have put aside partisan differences will continue investigating the details of January 6, 2021. The American people deserve answers and will not forget how their representatives responded in this moment. I remain committed to protecting the sacred cornerstones of America’s democracy and will not let up until all involved are brought to justice.”