WASHINGTON—AARP released the following statement today on behalf of AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins:

“The scene at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 is unlike anything we have ever witnessed or could imagine.  The insurgents that caused destruction to the U.S. Capitol and disrupted the Electoral College vote count must be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“The events this week underscore that incivility in this country has reached a crisis level: dialogue, bipartisanship, cooperation and the ability to compromise have all but disappeared.  It’s also clear that racial inequities were on display yet again as the rioters were treated fundamentally differently than the protesters who marched in Washington during the summer.  There are deep divisions in our country, and we must urgently find ways to work through those divisions and find a shared path forward. 

“Misinformation, too, played a central role in Wednesday’s tragic events. When facts are ignored or manipulated, constructive debate is beyond reach. Our country has many pressing problems to solve, and constructive debate is the only way to solve them.

“AARP serves nearly 38 million members from all walks of life and across the political spectrum. Nonpartisanship is in our DNA, and for more than 60 years, we have worked closely with elected officials from every part of the political spectrum.  The entirety of our focus is on policy issues—issues that include our current work to protect nursing home residents and to address the health and economic consequences of the pandemic.

“More than 368,000 Americans are dead from COVID.  The shameful events of January 6 entirely distracted from the government-led response that is essential for solving the problems related to COVID.  This public health crisis imperils not only older Americans, but every American.  Just as our people need healing, our country needs to heal, and policymakers must find a way to do both.”

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AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.​