Vice President Kamala Harris warned Thursday of the fragility of democracy, saying "if we are not vigilant, if we do not defend it, democracy simply will not stand" on the one-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
Driving the news: "On January 6, we all saw what our nation would look like if the forces who seek to dismantle our democracy are successful, the lawlessness, the violence, the chaos," Harris said.
- "January 6th reflects the dual nature of democracy, its fragility and its strength. You see, the strength of democracy is the rule of law ... The strength of democracy is that it empowers the people."
- "And the fragility of democracy is this. That if we are not vigilant, if we do not defend it, democracy simply will not stand. It will falter and fail," Harris added.
- Harris also urged for the expansion of voting rights, saying "we must pass the voting rights bills that are now before the Senate. We cannot sit on the sidelines; we must unite in defense of our democracy."
Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Go deeper: In photos: Looking back at the Jan. 6 Capitol riot
