Statement by Salk President Rusty Gage on the events of January 6, 2021

January 7, 2021

Statement by Salk President Rusty Gage on the events of January 6, 2021

January 7, 2021

Yesterday will be remembered as one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history, as one of the most important institutions central to our freedom and democracy was attacked by a mob with malice and force in a failed attempt to prevent the constitutional certification of the November elections.

Those who stormed the Capitol building have reminded us all that our democracy is fragile. What unfolded yesterday is nothing short of a direct assault on our democratic ideals. In the days ahead, those who took part must be held accountable.

At the Salk Institute, we are humble stewards of Jonas Salk’s inspiring legacy of bettering humanity, a legacy built on the philosophy of learning to live with each other and bring out the best in each other, where the object is not to put down, but to raise up – no matter our differences or disagreements. That ethos speaks to the need to not only reject those who use force or violence against our democratic values, but to work collectively to protect and strengthen the systems, institutions and norms that are designed to ensure the safety and the rights of everyone living in the United States of America. Together, we must work to make sure the events of yesterday are never repeated.