Congressional Democrats hosted a Jan. 6 candlelight vigil on the steps of the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday. (Pool)
"We are here today because we must never forget what happened on January 6th five years ago," Schumer said, adding that future generations should remember it. "The day democracy was placed at greater risk than it has been in a century, and more than a century."
Schumer recalled being evacuated during the breach, saying he and others were "within 20ft of those rioters of those insurrectionists" as they were moved to safety.
"On January 6th, our Capitol Police officers were heroes. Our DC police were heroes," Schumer said. "…we will make sure that your sacrifices that day are never forgotten, nor will we ever, ever forget the lives of those we lost in the connection with the attack."
Jeffries called Jan. 6 a "violent insurrection incited by Donald Trump to overturn the results of a free and fair election" and praised law enforcement who defended the Capitol.
"We owe these heroes an eternal debt of gratitude and will never forget their service and their sacrifice," Jeffries said.
JD VANCE RESPONDS TO HAKEEM JEFFRIES' CLAIM SOMBRERO MEME IS 'RACIST'
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., speak in the House Chamber, Jan. 6, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty)
Democrat leaders have previously faced criticism from conservative commentators over what they described as performative displays during moments of national tension.
In 2020, several lawmakers, including then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., drew attention for kneeling while wearing traditional Ghanaian Kente cloth stoles during Capitol events following the death of George Floyd; actions that were praised by supporters and criticized by opponents as political theater.
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Variations of the sombrero meme targeting Jeffries have circulated online since the federal government shutdown last year amid criticism of Democratic leadership. The imagery has since reemerged periodically in online political satire.
Vance's, Schumer's and Jeffries' offices did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-reposts-sombrero-meme-mocking-democrats-jan-6-candlelight-vigil