On January 6, 2026, Democratic lawmakers gathered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol for a candlelight vigil to mark the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, events, joined by family members of Capitol Police officers.
Led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the group held a moment of silence and concluded by singing “God Bless America.” The vigil aimed to honor law enforcement and reflect on the day’s impact on democracy.
However, it quickly drew massive online backlash, which many labeled as performative and cringeworthy political theater. Critics highlighted the perceived hypocrisy, noting that Democrats had not held similar vigils in prior years when commemorating the event under Joe Biden’s administration.
Much of the criticism focused on former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who participated in related anniversary events and has long been a central figure in January 6 narratives. Footage from an HBO documentary, filmed by her daughter, Alexandra Pelosi, on January 6, 2021, captured then-Speaker Pelosi acknowledging security shortcomings, stating she took “full responsibility” for not ensuring better preparation and questioning why more measures, such as a National Guard presence, weren’t implemented. As House Speaker at the time, Pelosi oversaw aspects of Capitol security on the House side.
Despite these on-camera admissions of responsibility during the chaos, Pelosi has since publicly denied any personal wrongdoing or fault for that day’s events.
We want to ask you, the reader: does Nancy Pelosi hold responsibility for security failures on Jan. 6, 2021? Answer in our poll below and comment your thoughts Pelosi’s role in Jan. 6.
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