They always taught us in the military that if you are in a situation where somebody walks into a room with a gun, half the people in that room will r… - Adam Kinzinger

Here’s what we know: Congress was not prepared on January 6th. We weren’t prepared because we never imagined this could happen: an attack, by our own people, fostered and encouraged by those granted power through the very system they sought to overturn. That is a lesson, not a conspiracy theory or counter-narrative. Some have concocted a counternarrative to discredit this process on the grounds we didn’t launch a similar investigation into the urban riots and looting last summer. Mr. Chairman, I was called on to serve during the summer riots as an Air National Guardsman. I condemned those riots and the destruction of property that resulted. But not once did I ever feel that the future of self-government was threatened like I did on January 6th. There is a difference between breaking the law and rejecting the rule of law, between a crime—even grave crimes—and a coup.

Fear operates best in an environment of uncertainty. As I said, when I was younger, I doubted that I could be a pilot. I developed a belief in myself and in my capabilities. I learned that I could take control and respond. I want them to believe in themselves. I want them to be able to dispel fear. I want them to be real.

I know what it is like to come out if active duty service. All of a sudden, you're spit out into civilian life. It's hard. I went through it. Even though I ran for Congress immediately and had a goal in mind, I still struggled. For the first four years in Congress I thought about resigning and going back into the Air Force full time. It was great to be elected, but the proudest days of my life were when I earned my wings and when I became a lieutenant colonel. Nothing really compares with the sense of accomplishment you get from serving your country. That doesn't mean you can't find another mission to take on. If that means going back to working on a farm like my granddad did, then do that fiercely. If it means doing some other kind of work then do that.