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House Democrat leader Hakeem Jeffries during the ceremony outside the Capitol
Photo: Matt Rourke / dpa
Two years after the violent storming of the US Capitol, Hakeem Jeffries remembered the victims.
"We are gathered here to honor their memory and to acknowledge with deep gratitude the tremendous bravery of hundreds of officials," said the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives in Washington.
Because of the use of the police, democracy is still intact.
Relatives of the victims had also gathered in front of the congress.
The uprising has shaken the US to the core -- that goes for many people in the country and members of Congress, added Jeffrie's predecessor, Nancy Pelosi.
This second anniversary should also serve as a "wake-up call" for Republicans to reject extremism, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said at the memorial service.
Members of the Republican leadership were not present at the memorial service.
On January 6, 2021, supporters of then President Donald Trump violently stormed the seat of parliament in Washington.
Congress met there to formally confirm Democrat Joe Biden's victory in the presidential election.
Trump had previously incited his supporters in a speech that he had been deprived of a victory by massive election fraud.
Five people died as a result of the riots.
aeh/dpa/AFP