Statement: A Year Later, Reflecting on 2021's Insurrection and our Democracy

Today marks the grim anniversary of the violent insurrection that took place in our nation’s Capitol Building. The events that unfolded on January 6th, 2021 were the consequence of widespread misinformation, white supremacy, and heightened polarization in our country which were all stoked for political gain at the expense of our democracy. 

A year later, we are still working to fully understand and come to terms with the impact on our democracy that January 6th brought with it. Property was destroyed, government information was compromised, federal legislators were put in harm's way, lives were lost and our democracy was violated. Many involved in the violence of that day have been brought to justice, but the work to heal continues.  

HECHO reaffirms its support for continued investigation and action taken by Congress and the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. We must unite in rejecting the hateful rhetoric and misinformation of the attackers on January 6th, and hold all individuals involved accountable – including those within the Trump Administration who may have been involved in actively inciting the attackers or withholding information of the attack which would have prevented it. 

Our democracy is only as strong as the people who come together to uphold it as an institution of government of the people, by the people, for the people. We must work together to cultivate trust and transparency in our democracy. We must continue to expand voting access and protections in our elections process, and we must come together to promote representative leadership within all tiers of government.  

HECHO’s work to promote Hispanic participation and leadership in public lands conservation is only possible if founded on a strong democratic system. We must never waiver in our duty to defend our democracy as it is the foundation on which all visions for change and prosperity are built and advanced, regardless of political affiliation.