Rep. Gottheimer: 'Insurrectionists Failed Miserably'

NEW JERSEY — Congressman Josh Gottheimer was present in the House Chamber on Jan. 6, 2021. One year after the insurrection at the Capitol, Gottheimer reflected on the year that's unfolded since.

In a statement, Gottheimer said democracy came out the other side victorious, and called the acts of last Jan. 6 "anarchy."

Last year, a mob of President Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol as Congress met to certify President-Elect Joe Biden's electoral victory. Five people died either before, during or shortly after the event, including one person shot by Capitol police, another from a drug overdose and three who perished from natural causes.

"Exactly one year ago this week, I was inside the House Chamber when lawless thugs and insurrectionists breached the United States Capitol, in an attempt to upend our democracy and our 230-year tradition of a peaceful transition of power. The insurrectionists failed miserably. Democracy conquered anarchy. Once again, America was triumphant," Gottheimer said.

"While they smashed windows, broke down doors, and even tore down the American flag, the insurrectionists did not break the great American spirit. Their attempted obstruction was foiled, and our democracy persevered, even stronger."

He also reflected on what steps have been taken by lawmakers to investigate the insurrection, and made calls for what should come next.

"Now, instead of splitting us asunder, Republicans and Democrats are working in a bipartisan manner investigating the attack, so we can hold those responsible to account.

Now, we must continue to work together to protect our electoral system, the integrity and security of our elections, and the will of the American people.

We must all come together — across party, backgrounds, and any lines that divide us — to ensure an attack like this never happens to our nation again.

To this day, my thoughts continue to be with the brave law enforcement brutally attacked that day and all their loved ones.

While we must not forget the dark days we’ve been through, we must also commit ourselves to unity, civility, and truth, and embrace our calling to a higher purpose and to help strengthen our nation."

Gottheimer also spoke to NorthJersey.com about his experience one year ago today.

Charges are still being filed against people who were at the Capitol on Jan. 6, including three men from South Jersey this week.

Michael Oliveras, 38 of Lindenwold, has been charged with disorderly and disruptive conduct after he entered the Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021, during an attempt by protesters to stop the certification of the 2020 presidential election, according to court documents. Read more: NJ Man Charged In Capitol Riot After Tip About Parler Posts

Michael Gianos, 33, of Marlton and 29-year-old Marcos Panayiotou, of Wrightstown were arrested last month in connection with the riot, according to separate federal affidavits.Gianos and 30-year-old Rachel Myers, of Philadelphia, were both arrested on Dec. 1 as part of the investigation of Gloucester Township resident Lawrence Stackhouse, according to a criminal affidavit.

They are charged with entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, and parading, demonstrating or picketing in a Capitol building. Read more: 2 More South Jersey Men Charged In Capitol Riot

As for Stackhouse, he was arrested in March 2021 and charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds, and disorderly or disruptive conduct. Read more: Blackwood Man Arrested After Capitol Riots: Reports