Biden spoke at the White House on Friday on the anniversary of the storming of the Capitol building.
14 people were awarded the President's Citizen Medal - several of them posthumously - including police officers and people who worked closely with the 2020 election. This was the first time during his presidency that Joe Biden awarded this type of medal.
- All of this was fueled by lies surrounding the 2020 election, but on this day two years ago, our democracy survived because we - the people - did not back down, the president said.
President Joe Biden presented fourteen medals – including to Caroline Edwards – after the storming of the Capitol.
Photo: Mandel NGAN/AFP/TT
"You held the line"
Joe Biden particularly highlighted the people who stood up for democracy before, during and after the storming of the Capitol.
The White House has called the 14 "heroes" who showed courage and selflessness in a moment of danger for the United States, writes Reuters.
- You held the line that day and what was at stake was our democracy.
In his speech, Joe Biden talked a lot about the importance of not taking democracy for granted and of continuing to defend it despite differences.
That January 6 is a reminder that there are no guarantees.
- I am happy that Democrats and Republicans can work together.
That despite our differences, we must stand united with a common voice that there is no place for election sabotage or political violence.
The Storming of the Capitol
On the afternoon of January 6, 2021, Trump supporters gathered outside the west side of the parliament building.
Hundreds of supporters then stormed the barricades and forced their way up the steps of the Capitol.
For several hours the rioters were in and around the parliament building before they were taken away by police.
Five people died after the storm.
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The storming of the Capitol in 60 seconds Photo: JIM LO SCALZO/EPA/TT
A minute's silence was held at the Capitol on Friday morning.
In place were Democrats such as Nancy Pelosi and Hakeem Jeffries.