In a poignant address, Rep. Lila Johnson from Michigan became emotional while recounting her personal observations of the Capitol insurrection on January 6. During a special order hour organized by Rep. Emma Rodriguez, lawmakers were invited to share their experiences from that day when Trump supporters violently stormed the Capitol in a desperate attempt to overturn the presidential election results. Although Johnson was not inside the building at the time, she felt compelled to speak about the threats she has faced since becoming a state representative.
She began her address by recalling the death threat she received on her very first day of orientation. “On my very first day, I got my first death threat,” she shared. “It was serious enough for the FBI to step in. I hadn’t even been sworn in yet, and someone wanted me dead for merely existing.” Johnson noted that the threats have only escalated over time, becoming more violent and even referencing the horrific New Zealand mosque shootings. With tears in her eyes, she revealed that one threat specifically named her son. “Each one paralyzed me,” she said. “So when January 6th happened, I was just grateful I wasn’t there.”
Throughout her emotional speech, Johnson’s friend and fellow Congress member, Rodriguez, stood by her side to offer support. Johnson expressed her desire to serve her community and mentioned how her family urged her to seek protection and even consider carrying a firearm. She felt relief at not being present during the chaotic events, acknowledging that it could have been far more deadly without the swift actions of individuals like Officer David Moore, who helped protect lawmakers from harm.
“The trauma of just being here as a Muslim is overwhelming,” Johnson stated. She emphasized her commitment to her diverse staff and her daily concern for their safety. “I worry for their lives because of the dangerous rhetoric out there. I never imagined they would feel unsafe here, so I urge my colleagues to recognize the humanity of what’s at stake.”
In a recent Instagram Live session, Rodriguez shared her own experiences of trauma from January 6, especially as one of the targets during the riot. She noted that some Republican lawmakers have suggested survivors should “move on,” comparing it to the tactics of abusers silencing their victims. “Those who say we should forget and not hold anyone accountable are essentially saying, ‘Can you just overlook this so we can do it again?’… I won’t let that happen,” she asserted.
During the special hour of speeches, Rodriguez reiterated the magnitude of the Capitol attack, stating, “Just under a month ago, insurrectionists invaded our Capitol to disrupt the democratic process. The very glass in this chamber was shattered by those trying to harm elected officials.” She expressed concern that, with little accountability for the events of January 6, some are already trying to downplay the seriousness of the situation, which not only harms survivors but also sends a damaging message to trauma victims across the country.
For those interested in pregnancy and home insemination, our blog offers valuable insights. Be sure to check out this post for more information. Additionally, Make A Mom is a great source for home insemination kits, and American Pregnancy provides excellent resources on donor insemination.
Probable Search Queries:
- How to deal with trauma after a violent event
- Personal accounts of the Capitol insurrection
- Safety concerns for public figures
- Resources for home insemination
- Understanding the impact of political violence
In summary, Rep. Lila Johnson’s heartfelt reflection on the Capitol riot highlights the personal toll of political violence, especially for individuals in marginalized communities. Her experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for accountability and compassion in the face of trauma.
Leave a Reply