Five years after Jan. 6, questions remain

OHIO — Tuesday marks five years since the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, a day that left a lasting mark on American democracy.

As the nation reflects on what happened and where things stand now, questions remain about accountability, security and the impact on our political landscape.

On Jan. 6, 2021, a mob stormed the U.S. capitol as lawmakers met to certify the presidential election results. What unfolded shocked the nation and world, affecting a cornerstone of American democracy and raising urgent questions about security.

Around 80 of the rioters were from Ohio, and President Trump either pardoned them or asked for their charges to be dismissed. One of those Ohioans who stormed the capitol five years ago was Caleb Jones. He was arrested in March of 2021 and said he’s reflected and learned a lot the last five years.

“I learned never plead guilty when you’re not guilty, that was a big one,” said Jones, who was pardoned. “Also, make sure to get a legal defense that’s actually on your side, that’s another big one. I did whatever people said I should do and go with the recommended guy or whatever, but I don’t think it was in my best interest, but now it doesn’t really matter because a lot of people who didn’t commit any violent acts and were just kind of there, like myself, have been pardoned.” 

In the days that followed Jan. 6, federal investigators launched one of the largest criminal investigations in U.S. history. Hundreds have since been charged, and new security measures were put in place to protect the capitol and those who serve inside it. 

And now, as the nation reflects on the events of Jan. 6, many are also looking ahead and asking how to prevent something like this from happening again and what it will take to restore trust in the democratic process.