Dueling Rallies Mark Fifth Anniversary of January 6 Capitol Attack

Tuesday marked five years since the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and Washington saw two sharply contrasting commemorations unfold.

At the Ellipse—where the original rally preceded the breach—supporters of those who participated in the January 6 events gathered for what was billed as a remembrance of Ashli Babbitt, the woman shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer during the attack. Speakers included Babbitt's mother, Micki Witthoeft, and Enrique Tarrio, the former Proud Boys leader who was convicted of seditious conspiracy, imprisoned, and later pardoned by President Trump.

"The word I'm searching for is retribution, retaliation—and what is that? It is accountability," Tarrio told the crowd.

Many attendees had been convicted in connection with the attack before receiving pardons nearly a year ago. The group later marched to the Capitol, where they encountered counter-demonstrators. Police kept the groups separated and quickly diffused the situation.

A separate rally nearby honored the Capitol Police officers who defended the building that day. More than 100 officers were injured during the attack, and several died in the days and weeks that followed.

Attendees at that event described it as a solemn occasion to remember the Constitution and those who protected it.