PITTSFIELD, Mass. – More than 60 people gathered in Pittsfield’s Park Square on Saturday to remember the events of January 6th, 2021. The crowd came together on the third anniversary of the attack on the U.S. Capitol, a day that continues to resonate locally.
Michael Wise, chairman of Berkshire Democratic Brigades, addressed the crowd by reading a speech by President Joe Biden. The speech questioned whether democracy is still America’s sacred cause and emphasized the importance of defending the democratic principles.
The demonstration aimed to oppose and remember the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol, which was initiated by right-wing conservatives. The attack, fueled by unfounded conspiracy theories and false claims of election fraud, resulted in the deaths of seven people and has led to ongoing criminal prosecutions.
Among the attendees were State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, who both emphasized the importance of defending democracy. They, along with other organizers and participants, sought to celebrate democracy and show support for ongoing criminal investigations of those involved in the insurrection.
The gathering also highlighted the fact that there are Berkshire County residents who were part of the January 6th riots and have faced legal consequences for their actions. The event served as a reminder of the impact of the events and the ongoing efforts to safeguard democracy.
The demonstration was a call to action, reminding everyone of the importance of defending democracy and the need to safeguard the right to vote and freedom of speech. As the community commemorates the events of January 6th, the message remains clear – democracy must be protected and upheld.