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The city of Selma got a mention during a speech that President Joe Biden made today on the anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot that took place at the U.S. Capitol in 2021.

On Thursday morning, Biden addressed the incident in which thousands of supporters of former President Donald Trump gathered at the Capitol and stormed it in response to the 2020 election results. The riots in the final days of the reign of President Donald Trump.

In his speech Biden said the dispute of the election results “lies” and spoke of several significant historical events, including the Civil Rights Movement in Selma that occurred during the 1950’s and 1960’s. 

“The former president who lies about this election and the mob that attacked this capitol could not be further away from the core American values,” he said.

“They want to rule or they will ruin. Ruin what our country fought for at Lexington and Concord, at Gettysburg and Omaha beach, Seneca Falls; Selma, Alabama.”

“What were they fighting for? The right to vote. The right to govern ourselves. The right to determine our own destiny.”

The Bloody Sunday incident that occurred on Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 was also mentioned.

March 7, 1965 eventually led to the Voting Rights Act that was signed by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.

“Believe me, I know how difficult democracy is,” he said.

“And I’m crystal clear about the threats America faces, but I also know that our darkest days can lead to light and hope.”

“From the death and destruction as [Vice President Kamala Harris] referenced in Pearl Harbor came the triumph over the forces of fascism. From the brutality of Bloody Sunday on the Edmund Pettus Bridge came historic voting rights legislation.”

Last March, Biden signed an executive order Sunday directing the federal government to promote voting access in a move meant to commemorate the 56th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches for civil rights.

Biden and Harris attended the Bridge Crossing Jubilee two years ago, the last time it was not virtual. Several months later, Biden and Harris were elected President and Vice-President, respectively.