Volcker Alliance Statement on the Tragic Events at the US Capitol

In the wake of the horrifying events in the US Capitol this week, the Volcker Alliance team reflected on the prescience of our founder, Paul A. Volcker, who wrote in our founding documents: “Abraham Lincoln eloquently made the point that no democracy—no government of the people, by the people, for the people—can flourish, or even long exist, if the people themselves have lost confidence in their governing processes. Today, there is simply too much evidence that the needed element of public trust has eroded.”

We are deeply troubled by the loss of trust in our government laid bare by the actions of those who stormed the Capitol. We also hold out hope that the shock and horror many Americans shared in reaction—along with the trials and hardship we have all endured because of the coronavirus pandemic—will result in wider recognition and appreciation of the imperative role our democratic government and the public sector workforce plays in solving the challenges facing our nation.

We believe those responsible for the violent attack on the heart of our democracy and the resulting loss of life must be held accountable. Their actions are abhorrent and must be condemned by all Americans. We cannot permit the Capitol rioters to undermine our democratic values. Instead, we must honor and celebrate the public servants who personify them.