On Monday, the US Congress will certify Donald Trump’s presidential election victory, marking the fourth anniversary of the January 6th Capitol riot. This year’s certification, presided over by Vice President Kamala Harris, will be a stark contrast to the violent events of 2021, when a mob incited by Trump attempted to overturn his election defeat. While the process is constitutionally a formality signifying a peaceful transfer of power, unprecedented security measures are in place to prevent a repeat of the chaos.
The US Capitol Police, acutely aware of their vulnerability in 2021, have implemented enhanced security protocols. Chief Tom Manger emphasized the need to avoid being caught off guard again, referencing the overwhelming force of the rioters four years prior. The deployment of additional personnel and equipment underscores the seriousness of the precautions taken to ensure a smooth certification process. The 2021 attack saw lawmakers forced into hiding as rioters ransacked offices and hunted for leading congressional figures, including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Even Vice President Mike Pence, who refused Trump’s pressure to overturn the election results, had to be evacuated from the building amidst chants of “hang Mike Pence.”
President Biden, in a Washington Post op-ed, urged Americans to remember the lessons learned from the January 6th attack, emphasizing the importance of preventing a similar occurrence. Unlike the contested 2016 election, where some Democrats lodged symbolic challenges to Trump’s electors, this year’s outcome has been accepted without such demur. Trump’s victory, secured through both the electoral college and the popular vote, has not spurred significant opposition. Representative Joe Morelle, a ranking Democrat on the House elections committee, echoed this sentiment, predicting a “normal transfer” respecting the will of the American people.
The aftermath of the 2021 attack has resulted in over 1,500 arrests, with approximately 1,000 convictions. Five people died on the day of the riot, and four more perished in the following months, including police officers who took their own lives. Trump’s pledge to pardon some of the January 6th attackers upon assuming office, however, has been met with concern from Chief Manger, who highlighted the potential negative impact on law enforcement morale and safety. He questioned the message this sends to officers nationwide, particularly considering the risks they face daily. The contrast between the heightened security for this year’s certification and Trump’s proposed pardons underscores the lingering tensions and unresolved issues stemming from the 2021 attack.