WASHINGTON — Inside the Capitol, reminders of the violence are increasingly hard to find. Scars on the walls have been repaired, shattered windows and doors replaced, and virtually no plaques or displays exist to commemorate the events of January 6, 2021.

Lawmakers seldom mention the attack, with many Republicans attempting to downplay its significance; some echo President-elect Donald Trump’s claims that the chaos of that day is exaggerated and that the rioters are victims. As noted by Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), “It’s been erased. Winners write history and Trump won,” creating a narrative that falsely portrays the riot as a peaceful gathering.

Trump’s promise to pardon rioters has sparked concerns about reinforcing this skewed narrative. Some of the more than 1,250 individuals convicted following the events of January 6 had openly called for violence against then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and then-Vice President Mike Pence, while armed with weapons and inflammatory symbols. Their intent was clear: to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden's victory, echoing Trump’s discredited claims of a stolen election.

The aftermath showed that Congress quickly resumed its duties that same evening, but sentiments regarding the insurrection remain divided. Senator Lisa Murkowski, who voted to convict Trump for his role in the riot, emphasized that some lawmakers prefer to leave the incident in the past.

Former Republican Senator Mike Braun suggested that ongoing discussions around commemorative plaques might only deepen divisions. "If you’re starting to put plaques up, it looks like it even further emphasizes the divide,” he remarked. In March 2022, Congress mandated the installation of a plaque honoring law enforcement officers who responded that day, yet nearly three years later, no such commemorative display has been erected.

A representative from the Architect of the Capitol offered no clear answers when questioned about the missing plaque, which had bipartisan support from leaders like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Representative Zoe Lofgren expressed frustration over the lack of action, calling it disrespectful to the sacrifices made by officers on that day.

Police officer Daniel Hodges, who confronted rioters, described the absence of recognition as “incredibly offensive.” He stated, “It’s an incredibly simple thing, but it can mean a lot to so many who fought that day to defend democracy.”

As Trump prepares for his second inauguration, the shifting Republican narrative around January 6, including calls to consider rioters as “hostages,” signals a worrying potential for the misrepresentation of historical events. This trend is disconcerting for many who witnessed the chaos and violence firsthand.

Democratic representatives are vocal about their concerns regarding a false legacy of January 6. Rep. Jim Himes desires a tangible reminder, suggesting preservation of a broken window as a historical marker, but noted that such traces of destruction have all but vanished.

“I have confidence in history,” Himes concluded, expressing hope that the events of that fateful day will not be forgotten even as some lawmakers choose to overlook their implications.

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