Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speech
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden on Thursday forcefully condemned Donald Trump’s election “big lie” that sparked the deadly breach of the Capitol by his supporters and continues to motivate deep national division. He marked the anniversary of the insurrection by declaring he will stand and fight for “the soul of America.”
Biden’s criticism was blistering of the “defeated president” who he blamed for the attack that has fundamentally changed Congress and raised global concerns about the future of American democracy.
“For the first time in our history, a president not just lost an election, he tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power as a violent mob breached the Capitol,” Biden said. “But they failed.”
His voice booming at times, filling the ornate hall with statues of the country’s leaders and heroes, he said called on Americans to see Jan. 6 for what it was.
“Democracy was attacked,” Biden said at the Capitol. “We the people endure. We the people prevailed.” Read the full story here:
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolJ. Scott Applewhite
The Capitol is seen at dawn, one year after the violent Jan. 6 insurrection by supporters of then-President Donald Trump who assaulted police and smashed their way into the Congress to interrupt the Electoral College certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory, in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
J. Scott ApplewhiteThe Capitol is seen at dawn, one year after the violent Jan. 6 insurrection by supporters of then-President Donald Trump who assaulted police and smashed their way into the Congress to interrupt the Electoral College certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory, in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolEvan Vucci
A large group of police arrive at the Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. President Joe Biden and members of Congress are solemnly marking the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection. Lawmakers are holding events Thursday to reflect on the violent attack by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. The ceremonies will be widely attended by Democrats, but almost every Republican on Capitol Hill will be absent. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Evan VucciA large group of police arrive at the Capitol, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. President Joe Biden and members of Congress are solemnly marking the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection. Lawmakers are holding events Thursday to reflect on the violent attack by supporters of then-President Donald Trump. The ceremonies will be widely attended by Democrats, but almost every Republican on Capitol Hill will be absent. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolKen Cedeno
President Joe Biden pauses to speak to media members with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., as he arrives through the Hall of Columns on his way to speak from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Ken Cedeno/Pool via AP)
Ken CedenoPresident Joe Biden pauses to speak to media members with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., as he arrives through the Hall of Columns on his way to speak from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Ken Cedeno/Pool via AP)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolStefani Reynolds
President Joe Biden walks with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., left, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., right, as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool via AP)
Stefani ReynoldsPresident Joe Biden walks with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., left, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., right, as he arrives at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool via AP)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolSusan Walsh
President Joe Biden walks past a statue of former President Abraham Lincoln with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., after arriving on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, to speak at a ceremony marking the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal for then-President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Susan WalshPresident Joe Biden walks past a statue of former President Abraham Lincoln with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., after arriving on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, to speak at a ceremony marking the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal for then-President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolAndrew Harnik
President Joe Biden arrives to speak from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Andrew HarnikPresident Joe Biden arrives to speak from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolDrew Angerer
President Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
Drew AngererPresident Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolAndrew Harnik
President Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Andrew HarnikPresident Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolAndrew Harnik
President Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Andrew HarnikPresident Joe Biden listens as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolAndrew Harnik
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Andrew HarnikVice President Kamala Harris speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolGreg Nash
President Joe Biden takes off his face mask as he speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP)
Greg NashPresident Joe Biden takes off his face mask as he speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Greg Nash/Pool via AP)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolJabin Botsford
President Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Jabin Botsford//The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
Jabin BotsfordPresident Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Jabin Botsford//The Washington Post via AP, Pool)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolDrew Angerer
President Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
Drew AngererPresident Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolDrew Angerer
President Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
Drew AngererPresident Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolDrew Angerer
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the one year anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, during a ceremony in Statuary Hall, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at the Capitol in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP
Drew AngererPresident Joe Biden delivers remarks on the one year anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, during a ceremony in Statuary Hall, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at the Capitol in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolDrew Angerer
President Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
Drew AngererPresident Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolDrew Angerer
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the one year anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, during a ceremony in Statuary Hall, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at the Capitol in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP
Drew AngererPresident Joe Biden delivers remarks on the one year anniversary of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, during a ceremony in Statuary Hall, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at the Capitol in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP
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‘Democracy held’ on Jan. 6, Trump ‘failed’: Biden marks anniversary of attack on CapitolAndrew Harnik
President Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Andrew HarnikPresident Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
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Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speechStefani Reynolds
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris walk through the Hall of Columns after speaking at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool via AP)
Stefani ReynoldsPresident Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris walk through the Hall of Columns after speaking at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Stefani Reynolds/Pool via AP)
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Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speechKen Cedeno
President Joe Biden speaks to reporters as he departs with Vice President Kamala Harris through the Hall of Columns after he spoke in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Ken Cedeno/Pool via AP)
Ken CedenoPresident Joe Biden speaks to reporters as he departs with Vice President Kamala Harris through the Hall of Columns after he spoke in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Ken Cedeno/Pool via AP)
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Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speechCarolyn Kaster
Fencing in seen along the western front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. A year after the Jan. 6 attack, Congress is more deeply divided than ever, and it shows in how lawmakers are choosing to mark the day. Some members are planning a moment of silence. Others will spend the day educating Americans on the workings of democracy. And still others don't think the deadly siege on Congress needs to be remembered at all. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Carolyn KasterFencing in seen along the western front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. A year after the Jan. 6 attack, Congress is more deeply divided than ever, and it shows in how lawmakers are choosing to mark the day. Some members are planning a moment of silence. Others will spend the day educating Americans on the workings of democracy. And still others don't think the deadly siege on Congress needs to be remembered at all. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
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Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speechSusan Walsh
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., right, arrive to speak at the start of a discussion with historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Jon Meacham on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, on how "to establish and preserve the narrative of January 6th." The event marked the first anniversary of the U.S. Capitol insurrection, the violent attack by Trump supporters that has fundamentally changed the Congress and raised global concerns about the future of American democracy. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool)
Susan WalshHouse Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., left, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of N.Y., right, arrive to speak at the start of a discussion with historians Doris Kearns Goodwin and Jon Meacham on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, on how "to establish and preserve the narrative of January 6th." The event marked the first anniversary of the U.S. Capitol insurrection, the violent attack by Trump supporters that has fundamentally changed the Congress and raised global concerns about the future of American democracy. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, Pool)
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Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speechMary Altaffer
New Yorkers participate in a "January 6 Vigil for Democracy," Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York. Americans are marking the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection around with ceremonies and vigil across the nation. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Mary AltafferNew Yorkers participate in a "January 6 Vigil for Democracy," Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York. Americans are marking the first anniversary of the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection around with ceremonies and vigil across the nation. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
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Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speechManuel Balce Ceneta
Former Vice President Dick Cheney walks with his daughter Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., vice chair of the House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, in the Capitol Rotunda at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Manuel Balce CenetaFormer Vice President Dick Cheney walks with his daughter Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., vice chair of the House panel investigating the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol insurrection, in the Capitol Rotunda at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
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Jan. 6 live updates: Biden decries ‘big lie,’ blames Trump for insurrection. Watch Biden’s full speechJ. Scott Applewhite
U.S. Capitol Police officers stand outside the House chamber in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, one year after the violent insurrection by supporters of then-President Donald Trump who assaulted police and smashed their way into the Congress to interrupt the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory, (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
J. Scott ApplewhiteU.S. Capitol Police officers stand outside the House chamber in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, one year after the violent insurrection by supporters of then-President Donald Trump who assaulted police and smashed their way into the Congress to interrupt the certification of Democrat Joe Biden's victory, (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Drew Angerer
President Joe Biden speaks from Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol by supporters loyal to then-President Donald Trump, Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, in Washington. (Drew Angerer/Pool via AP)