Joe Biden calls January 6 insurrection an 'existential crisis' for democracy

It has already been six months since the violent insurrection that occurred last January 6. With Congress still feeling the aftermath of the riots, US President Joe Biden called the insurrection an “existential crisis” while urging lawmakers of varying political beliefs to work together.

Biden released a statement through the White House, reflecting on the events of January 6, where a mob full of supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol. It was an attempt to obstruct Congress’ formal certification of Biden’s election victory over Trump and the rioters were also targeting top Democrats and then-vice president Mike Pence. Hours prior to the insurrection, Trump held a rally urging his supporters to protest and repeated his “Big Lie” that the election denied him a second term.

Shortly after the insurrection, Biden condemned the riots and his latest statement reiterates his criticism towards those who were involved. Trump was impeached for the second time by the House for inciting the mob and was banned from most social media platforms due to his continued peddling of election conspiracies.

“Not even during the Civil War did insurrectionists breach our Capitol, the citadel of our democracy. But six months ago today, insurrectionists did,” said Biden in the statement.

“This was not dissent. It was a disorder. It posed an existential crisis and a test of whether our democracy could survive - a sad reminder that there is nothing guaranteed about our democracy,” added Biden, who then called on people to launch an investigation and urged lawmakers of different political parties to work together.

Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has already formed a select committee and appointed eight members so far in the 13-member group. Pelosi’s appointments so far include seven Democrats and one Republican, Liz Cheney getting selected as the sole GOP lawmaker so far.

In other news, Biden released another statement condemning the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was shot in his private residence overnight. Moise’s wife, first lady Martine Moise, was also injured and rushed to the hospital for treatment. In the statement, Biden extended his condolences and said that the US was prepared to assist the country.