Pelosi asks Democrats to ‘write their stories’ of Capitol riot

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) encouraged her Democratic colleagues to “write your story of January 6,” in a letter sent Wednesday.

In the letter, Pelosi makes note of the multiple historic events that have taken place this month, including the second House impeachment of former President Trump and President Biden’s inauguration, each one week apart.

“Today also marks three weeks since the insurrection against the U.S. Capitol and against our Democracy,” Pelosi wrote. “I urge all Members to take advantage of this time to write your story of January 6. I also hope you have taken advantage of the trauma and resilience resources provided by the Office of Employee Assistance, and I encourage you to do so if you have not. Members have told me that they have found these resources to be beneficial.”

The violent Capitol riot resulted in five deaths, including that of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick. Trump’s alleged role in inciting the violence led to him becoming the first U.S. president to be impeached twice. His Senate impeachment trial is set to take place the week of Feb. 8.

Lawmakers, staff and members of the media were forced to evacuate the legislative chambers when violent rioters broke into the Capitol. They were instructed to hide under desks or barricade themselves inside their offices.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) previously said during an Instagram livestream that she experienced a “pretty traumatizing event” during the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, and said she believed she was going to die that day. During the same livestream, she said she would likely seek counseling in the near future.

“As we continue our work For The People, we must do so prayerfully, solemnly and courageously,” wrote Pelosi. “Let us draw faith and inspiration from the closing words of the poem that Amanda Gorman shared with the nation one week ago: ‘For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it, if only we’re brave enough to be it.’”