House Democrats and former members of the now-defunct January 6 Select Committee held a candlelight vigil outside the steps of the Capitol building, prompting social media mockery over the cringeworthy act.
Earlier Tuesday, they also held a hearing marking the five-year anniversary, drawing criticism over the participants and tone. The hearing included figures such as former Rep. Elaine Luria (D-Va.), who condemned perceived right-wing political violence despite endorsing Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones, a Democrat whose past texts fantasizing about violence later surfaced. Luria did not withdraw her endorsement of Jones and has also faced ethics complaints, including allegations she improperly fundraised off her role on the Jan. 6 committee, which House rules prohibit.
Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), one of only two Republicans on the Jan. 6 select committee, also spoke at the hearing, delivering a sharp anti-Trump rant. Kinzinger later endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and previously disclosed millions of phone records gathered without a warrant to the Democrat-led committee. He has also drawn renewed controversy after online claims about his personal conduct, which he has not publicly addressed. According to an X post by White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, Kinzinger allegedly posted half-nude photos on the gay dating app Grindr despite being married to a woman. While the person’s face is not visible, the tattoo shown reportedly resembles the former congressman’s.
Democrats also featured former Jan. 6 prosecutor Brendan Ballou, a registered Democrat who has donated more than $8,000 to left-wing candidates and groups, including $2,000 to Sen. Bernie Sanders. Ballou joined other Jan. 6 prosecutors last April in filing a bar complaint against Ed Martin after Trump nominated him for U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., and has openly expressed partisan views in media and on social platforms.
Democrats also called former Jan. 6 defendant Pamela Hemphill, a onetime Trump supporter who has since become a left-wing activist. Hemphill, who declined Trump’s blanket pardon for Jan. 6 defendants, uses the handle “Pamtifa” on X and has protested outside ICE facilities. Media reports have noted controversial past statements she has made about her family and childhood, such as claiming that her own mother is a psychopathic murderer.
At the candlelight vigil, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.) spoke before the press. The Democrats also sang ‘God Bless America.’ Their remarks and the entire act were widely criticized:
Senate Democrats just held a cringe performative candlelight vigil at the U.S. Capitol for January 6th.
I saw it, so now you have to pic.twitter.com/xyuFkkcOjU
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) January 6, 2026
I cannot stop laughing at Dems holding a f***ing candlelight vigil to mark the fifth anniversary of January 6th. This really is their high holy day. pic.twitter.com/WyvqJqdq4u
— Dan O’Donnell (@DanODonnellShow) January 6, 2026
Dems hold candlelight vigil & sing ‘God Bless America’ to commemorate the anniversary of Jan. 6 😂
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) January 6, 2026
Which one is more cringe?
A. Taking a knee in kente clothes for George Floyd
B. Candlelight vigil for January 6th pic.twitter.com/SQ2l3mU1NG— Right Winged Angel (@RightWngdAngel) January 6, 2026
The Democrats going to their candlelight vigil 🤣 #January6th pic.twitter.com/qZgKknaHpf
— Mr Viper (@MrViper) January 7, 2026
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