Community looking back on the Capitol riots

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- Many across the nation gathered together today to remember the one year anniversary of the January 6th capitol insurrection.

The deadly attack which led to over 700 peoples arrest has sparked action across the county — with many hosting candlelight vigils Thursday evening to stand up for voting rights.

“We have to come together as Americans and really defend our democracy and our right to vote and from everyone who was involved in that from the congress all the way down to the insurrectionists need to be held accountable," said Pam Rutkowski, Vigil Attendee.

January 6th, 2021 --- rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol. The event stunned the nation and it’s something many describe as one of the most disturbing moments in U.S history.

“I mean it was unlike anything that I’ve ever seen. We’ve had people go to ears to protect our democracy. We’ve lost soldiers through many world wars and yet that was being challenged," said Paul Sniadecki, Vigil Organizer.

Sniadecki was moved after the dreadful day in U.S. history -- deciding to organize a candlelight vigil at the Federal Building in Downtown South Bend on the one-year-anniversary of the chaos.

He says he’ll be making the vigil an annual event with the goal of honoring those who lost their lives, but also to send a message that democracy will not be lost here in America.

“I think it’s important that we continue to remember what happened. Don’t brush it under the table. Don’t go ahead and turn your head. And, we must protect the right to vote," said Sniadecki.

And for many the night truly emphasized protecting voter rights.

“We have to vote and make our senators vote for the right voting rights act and bring it back to where everyone has an opportunity to vote and not take away the votes from our american citizens," said Rutkowski.