How Did Jamie Raskin Son Die?
On New Year’s Eve 2020, Jamie Raskin’s son Tommy, 25, tragically died by suicide after battling mental illness. The devastating loss was made even more unbearable when, just a day after Tommy’s funeral, Raskin found himself present in the U.S. Capitol when a violent mob attacked the building in a horrifying attempt to overturn the presidential election results. These traumatic events shook Raskin to his core, but instead of allowing them to break him, he found purpose and strength in serving as the lead manager in President Trump’s second impeachment trial.
In his memoir, “Unthinkable,” Raskin reflects on how these unimaginable traumas impacted his life and advocacy. Despite the immense pain and loss he experienced, Raskin’s commitment to his family and his country drives him to serve on the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. As part of this bipartisan committee, Raskin believes it is crucial to uncover the truth about that fateful day and report it to the American people for the future of our country.
Through immense personal tragedy and national crisis, Jamie Raskin stands as a beacon of strength and resilience, determined to fight for justice and the preservation of our democracy.
Reflecting on Trauma and Loss
Jamie Raskin reflects on the profound changes he experienced in the wake of his son’s death and the events of Jan. 6. He was known as one of the happiest and funniest members of Congress before these tragedies occurred. Tommy, an empathic individual with remarkable sensitivity, had a deep concern for the pain and suffering of others.
Raskin and his wife keep Tommy’s suicide note on display as a daily reminder to look after each other, animals, and the global poor. The pandemic further isolated and demoralized many young people, exacerbating mental health struggles. Raskin acknowledges the need to focus on basic survival needs before pursuing other advancements, such as space exploration.
Despite experiencing cognitive dissonance, Raskin finds strength in connecting with others and integrating their losses and pain with his own.
The Fight for Democracy
In examining the events of January 6, Jamie Raskin outlines the three rings of activity that transpired. It began with a mass demonstration called by Donald Trump, followed by a violent insurrection led by extremist groups. Raskin goes further, characterizing the inner core of the event as a coup perpetrated by the president against the vice president and Congress.
While Trump faced impeachment for his role in inciting the insurrection, he ultimately evaded conviction. Despite this outcome, Raskin remains steadfast in his belief in Trump’s culpability for the attack. Furthermore, Raskin insists that the Department of Justice should explore potential criminal offenses related to the events of that day.
As part of the House select committee, Raskin and his colleagues are working diligently to connect the dots between Trump’s actions and the involvement of extremist groups and rioters. Their investigative inquiries strive to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable, ensuring that the American people have a clear understanding of what occurred. For Raskin, the future of democracy relies on transparency, justice, and the continued pursuit of truth.
