By Frank Ulom
WASHINGTON, D.C. (CONVERSEER) – Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell has likened the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol to some of the darkest days in the nation’s history, including the Pearl Harbor attack of 1941 and the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Speaking on Monday at a press conference convened by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to announce appointments to a new January 6 subcommittee, Swalwell said the assault on Congress ranks among the three most consequential dates in modern American history.
“Since the Civil War, what are the three most important dates in American history? December 7, 1941, September 11, and January 6,” Swalwell said. “The last two, I didn’t even have to give you the years, because they are seared into our memories.”
Swalwell accused former President Donald Trump of emboldening violence, pardoning those involved in the insurrection, and undermining institutions investigating the events of January 6. He alleged that Trump “made villains” out of law enforcement officers who sought to defend the Capitol, including those who lost their lives.
“Donald Trump has pardoned all the insurrectionists, telling the country whatever crime they commit, even if you kill somebody and it’s in his name, you walk,” Swalwell said. “Donald Trump has made villains of the cops who tried to stop them, even those cops who died.”
The California lawmaker also accused Trump of influencing how history is recorded, claiming that the former president pressured the Smithsonian to alter its exhibit on Trump’s second impeachment, which centred on the January 6 attack.
Swalwell urged Americans to reject conspiracy theories surrounding both 9/11 and January 6, stressing the importance of preserving truth in the nation’s political discourse.
“And here’s why we didn’t buy the 9-11 crazy talk then or the January 6 lies now, because we saw them with our own eyes,” he said. “Our job now is to make sure that we, the people, always keep those eyes open, that we not accept falsehoods, even from our friends, and that we always choose the truth.”
Meanwhile, one of the Democrats joining Swalwell on the new subcommittee, Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas, has drawn criticism for advancing controversial claims herself. Crockett has faced scrutiny for circulating unsubstantiated theories, including a claim that Trump’s own supporters attempted to assassinate him.
The committee is expected to examine the legacy of the January 6 attack, accountability for those involved, and efforts to prevent future threats to democratic institutions.
