January 6th, 2021 was not the first attack on the U.S. Capitol
Will it be the last?
Four years ago, on January 6th, 2021, I watched in horror as supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Last year, on January 7, 2024, I wrote this piece on the third anniversary of the attack.
Four years prior to the January 6th attack, I stood on the granite steps of the Capitol with my co-author, Jay Pridmore. We were in Washington conducting research for our book, Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church. This couple from my hometown of Evanston, Illinois, had been remarkable in their devotion to serving their country. And, though they were Republicans and I am a Democrat, I found the stories from their lives deeply admirable and inspiring.
While researching our book, I learned about the 1954 attack on the Capitol, during which the late U.S. Rep. Marguerite Stitt Church survived.
During the surprise attack on March 1st, 1954, four Puerto Rican Nationalists were heard shouting “Viva Puerto Rico libre!” (Long live free Puerto Rico!) as they sprayed gunfire on a full House session, ultimately injuring five members of Congress — one seriously.
U.S. Rep. Marguerite Stitt Church was cited as being the “last man standing” on the House floor that day.
January 6th, 2021 was not the first attack on the U.S. Capitol. Will it be the last?
When I look back at THIS post from next year, or four years on, how will things be different…or the same?
Today, Vice President Kamala Harris will certify the results of the 2024 Presidential Election. Harris is not the first presidential candidate to certify her own defeat: Richard Nixon certified John F. Kennedy’s win in 1961; and Al Gore certified George W. Bush’s electoral win in 2000https://youtu.be/SDaafQ0fxPY?si=9RXqgZ2e34HDOxds.
As Vice President Harris said in a recently released video:
“Today, at the United States Capitol, I will perform my constitutional duty as vice president of the United States to certify the results of the 2024 election. As we have seen, our democracy can be fragile. And it is up to each of us to stand up for our most cherished principles.”
In other predictable news, Trump’s temper tantrum about the U.S. flag flying at half mast following the death of former President Jimmy Carter is predictable — and just a bitter taste of the wild ride to come these next four years.
In terms of attacks on the Capitol, it can be said that Donald Trump himself is one of the very worst we’ve yet to see. Buckle up, everyone.
Your Turn
How are you preparing for the next Trump presidency?
Christine Wolf is the co-author of Politics, Partnerships, & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church. She’s a memoir coach, developmental editor, and CEO of Writers’ Haven LLC, a coworking space and consultancy for women writers. She teaches workshops and webinars on expressive writing for emotional healing at Northwestern University, the Infinity Foundation, and through her own website, www.christinewolf.com. Click here for more info or to get in touch with Christine.
I had no idea that 1954 attack happened. It's not surprising, in a way: It happened before I was born and the American history lessons I got in school always ended at WWII. No wonder we so often repeat doomed history; we don't share the stories. Thank you for informing me.
Shocking! I can still remember how I felt watching the Jan 6th attack. Had no idea about the 1954 attack!