During the presidential debate on Tuesday, just ahead of the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Vice President Kamala Harris made a statement that garnered rapid attention.
She characterized the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach as “the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.”
This remark prompted immediate responses on social media, with critics voicing their dissent.
One user, as reported by The Western Journal, called Harris “truly sick,” highlighting the strong opposition to her comparison.
BREAKING: Tomorrow is the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, and Kamala Harris just said January 6th was worse
Thousands of people were murdered on that day, and only Trump supporters were shot or beaten on J6
She's truly sick!
pic.twitter.com/oWFcz8Vy6z— George (@BehizyTweets) September 11, 2024
Harris’ statement still resonates within the larger narrative of January 6, which is seen by some as an effort by the political establishment to highlight the seriousness of the event.
However, ongoing conversations are bringing up uncertainties about various aspects of the day, such as the FBI’s role, Ray Epps’ involvement, and lingering questions about the discovery of pipe bombs. T
hese unresolved issues have added to the controversy over the portrayal of January 6. President Joe Biden has also consistently mentioned January 6 in his speeches, using similar wording to illustrate its impact on American democracy.
During the debate, Harris’ statement seemed to support this continuing storyline. Notable conservative figures such as Donald Trump Jr., advocate for women’s sports Riley Gaines, and Human Events editor Jack Posobiec swiftly disputed Harris’ analogy.
Their reactions, predominantly disseminated on social media, underscored the significance of the timing of her comment, especially considering its proximity to the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
Kamala Harris actually said that January 6th was the worst attack on our democracy since the civil war…The day before 9/11 🤡🤡🤡
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) September 11, 2024
Today, we reflect on the lives lost & the heroes who arose 23 years ago during the most devastating terrorist attack on American soil—9/11
This comes just a day after Kamala Harris outrageously claimed that J6 was worse than 9/11
We honor their bravery & sacrifice #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/6wtS78W9bf
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) September 11, 2024
Last night Kamala said this was worse than 9/11 pic.twitter.com/tVVAw15DTY
— Jack Poso 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) September 11, 2024
Many social media users focused on the timing rather than the content of Harris’ statement.
One user pointed out the stark difference between the two events, noting that “thousands of people were murdered on that day [9/11], and only Trump supporters were shot or beaten on J6.”
Others described Harris’ comment as “insane” or poorly timed, given the historical significance of September 11.
The responses to Harris’ debate statement bring attention to the continuing dispute surrounding January 6 and its representation.
Some view her comment as emphasizing the political rift regarding the remembrance of the event, while others concentrate on wider worries about public dialogue and the framing of national calamities.
