If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the image of a congressman kneeling to clean up litter-lined floors of the U.S. Capitol after pro-Trump rioters stormed the hallowed halls speaks volumes.
New Jersey Rep. Andy Kim (D) was photographed the morning after the massive security breach picking up debris and garbage left behind, and on Thursday, he took to Twitter to share an old family photo that further emphasized his deeply rooted patriotism.
Many of you asked me why I cleaned the Capitol on Jan 6. I want to show you this photo. This is my mom, an immigrant from Korea, bringing me to DC for the first time. She took me to the Capitol and taught me to love and care for this nation that gave us everything. pic.twitter.com/PecgTb5HWB
— Andy Kim (@AndyKimNJ) January 28, 2021
"I was just really affected emotionally. I felt this kind of heightened, kind of supercharged kind of patriotism that I just felt take over," the congressman said initially in an interview with The Associated Press.
Kim worked alongside police officers to help clean up everything from water bottles to pizza boxes to clothing to flags.
"When you see something you love that's broken, you want to fix it. I love the Capitol. I'm honored to be there," he said. "This building is extraordinary, and the rotunda in particular is just awe-inspiring. How many countless generations have been inspired in that room?"
He continued: "It really broke my heart and I just felt compelled to do something -- what else could I do?"
.@RepAndyKimNJ represents the very best of New Jersey and our nation. A true public servant who makes us proud every single day. https://t.co/6WRSOie6k2
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) January 7, 2021
The sobering image of Kim was widely shared in juxtaposition with the violent and dramatic day that saw a mob smash through windows and doors, ransacking the building.
One of Kim's Democratic colleagues told the AP that he didn't recognize him at first.
"I think it was 1 in the morning," New Jersey Rep. Tom Malinowski said. "There were a couple national guardsman, and I noticed somebody on his hands and knees leaning under a bench to pick something up, and it was Andy all by himself, just quietly removing debris and putting it in a plastic bag. He was clearly not doing it for an audience."
"It was, for me," Malinowski added, "the most poignant moment of the long night."
Gov. Phil Murphy hailed Kim for his example, saying he "represents the very best of New Jersey and our nation."
An earlier version of this story was first posted on Jan. 8, 2021.
