Jan. 6, 2025, will be the ultimate — and perhaps final — test of American democracy 

I voted for Donald Trump in 2016. I used to be an avid consumer of right-wing media. But for me, and for millions of Americans, including those of us who have spent careers in law enforcement; January 6, 2021 changed everything. It was a day that shook our core values ​​and left many wondering what America meant.

After 20 years working for the U.S. Capitol Police and then the Metropolitan Police Department, I had experienced my fair share of violence, but nothing could have prepared me for my co-workers' frantic calls for help that January. His partner Jimmy and I suited up not because we were required to, but because our fellow police officers were under attack. It has nothing to do with politics or political parties, and I've never had any interest in that, but everything to do with duty: the men and women who represent us, the dedicated public servants who help them, and, yes, our It had to do with an obligation to democracy itself.

When we arrived at the Capitol, the siege was more severe than we could have imagined. I saw a police commander, a friend of mine, and someone I've known for 20 years coughing violently and having trouble breathing after inhaling toxic fumes from chemicals used by rioters. But he, like the dozens of officers I fought alongside in one of the Capitol tunnels, stayed in the fight, determined to hold the line.

Shocked by the thousands of rioters determined to invade the Capitol to disrupt the democratic process. It was chaotic and incredibly violent. I saw knives, baseball bats, metal bars, and even improvised explosive devices. At one point, I was grabbed by the neck and dragged into the mob. I was hit with fists and metal objects. I was hit with a Taser over and over again. I was called a “traitor.” But what I'll always remember is the moment I heard the mob yelling, “Kill him with your own gun.” That was the moment I thought my four daughters might lose their father.

Three years later, I am more concerned than ever about the country I love. One year from today, Congress will certify a presidential election for the first time since the insurrection. Two out of three Americans are concerned that history will repeat itself. they may be right.

That's why I believe peaceful recognition must begin with ensuring all Americans know what really happened on January 6th. The indifference and lies I have witnessed since 2021 are a national shame. One lawmaker even called it a “normal tourist visit.” Let's start by making sure everyone watches the video of what happened, hears from those of us who were there, and understands the dangers of what's to come.

It's the members of Congress, some of them voted against Who will be responsible for certifying the last election hours after the attack and certifying the 2024 results? In some scenarios, such as if no candidate receives the required 270 Electoral College votes, a candidate could choose the president. They must know that the millions of Americans they represent are watching their every move and listening to their every word.

We can't wait until January 2025. Please contact the person in charge. Please keep sending letters. They must know that regardless of the outcome of the election, their responsibility is not to political parties or donors, but to those of us they represent.

We must also restore trust in our electoral system.Currently, the following laws have been enacted: End election security subsidies and make it harder for millions of people to vote 2024. These harmful bills cannot be passed. I don't care what your politics are. What we can all agree on is the sanctity and security of voting. It is our most important duty as citizens and our last hope for saving our democracy.

We will always have disagreements and disagreements. That is democracy. It's often messy. However, we cannot allow it to be violent either. We shouldn't have to talk about whether there will be another rebellion, but it is. The future of our country, the future of the country we leave to our children, depends on all Americans coming together now and next year to restore faith in our electoral system and pressure Congress to peacefully certify our elections. It depends on applying . we can't wait. We can't afford to fail.

Michael Fanone is a former U.S. Capitol Police officer and Metropolitan Police Department officer who was seriously injured while protecting the Capitol on January 6, 2021.