HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– State lawmakers will observe the fifth anniversary of January 6 with an event at the state capitol on Tuesday, but only one party will participate.
The riot at the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. five years ago has become partisan, with Democrats condemning it, some Republicans denying it, and others ignoring it.
Democratic Pennsylvania State Senators are holding what they are calling a solemn memorial around 2 p.m., honoring those who lost their lives and the officers who protected the building during the riot.
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“This is a memorial we have had every year in Philadelphia, it is just that we are in Harrisburg because of session that we are doing it here in Harrisburg,” State Sen. Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia) said. “We do it every year to recognize those who sacrifice to maintain the integrity of our elections, and we want to recognize those and not let them disappear in history.”
Haywood said there should be a bipartisan condemnation of the event, but no Republicans are set to appear this year. He said he is confident that they will attend in the coming years.
There is supposed to be a plaque to remember the storming of the Capitol at the Capitol Building, but it is currently not there.
“This is all part of the controversy of 2026 and the pardons of those involved in the sedicous activity,” Haywood said. “I hope that it is discovered and that the plaques are posted in a prominent place to recognize law enforcement who made significant sacrifices for our nation.”
Sen. Haywood encouraged the public to watch videos of the riot and make their own determination on the events of January 6, 2020.
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