During Tuesday’s presidential debate, held just before the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Vice President Kamala Harris made a statement that quickly drew attention.

She referred to the January 6, 2021, Capitol breach as “the worst attack on our democracy since the Civil War.” This comment led to swift reactions on social media, where critics expressed their disagreement.

Aug 29, 2024; Savannah, Georgia; USA; Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris responds to a pro-Palestine protestor during a rally at Enmarket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Richard Burkhart/Savannah Morning News-USA TODAY Network

One user, as reported by The Western Journal, called Harris “truly sick,” highlighting the strong opposition to her comparison.

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Harris’ remark continues to echo the broader narrative surrounding January 6, which some view as an attempt by the political establishment to emphasize the event’s severity.

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Despite this, ongoing discussions raise questions about certain aspects of the event, including the role of the FBI, the involvement of Ray Epps, and unresolved details surrounding the discovery of pipe bombs. For some, these unresolved questions contribute to the controversy surrounding how January 6 has been portrayed.

President Joe Biden has also consistently referred to January 6 in his speeches, using similar language to describe the day’s impact on American democracy.

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Harris’ statement during the debate appeared to align with this ongoing narrative.

Prominent conservative figures, including Donald Trump Jr., women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines, and Human Events editor Jack Posobiec, were quick to challenge Harris’ comparison. Their responses, largely shared on social media, emphasized the timing of the remark, given its proximity to the anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

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 reactions to Harris’ debate comment highlight the ongoing debate over January 6 and its portrayal. For some, her remark underscores the political divide over how the event should be remembered, while others focus on broader concerns about public discourse and the framing of national tragedies.