Harbingers: What January 6 and Charlottesville Reveal about Rising Threats to American Democracy

"Timothy Heaphy offers an inside view on how violent extremism is endangering American democracy. His remarkable and unique experiences in investigating both the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville and the Jan. 6 attack on the US Capitol offer an unparalleled perspective. Tim's insights can help us reclaim a government that works for all Americans and restore faith in our democratic institutions." -- Barbara McQuade, author of Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America

"While many members of Congress were downplaying and making excuses for the January 6 rioters, Tim Heaphy and I were working together on the select committee that investigated the unprecedented attack on our nation's Capitol. In his book Harbingers, Tim shares important lessons and insights, and makes the case that apathy poses a greater threat to American democracy than extremism. Whether January 6 marks the start of a new era of political violence or serves as an historic wake-up call will depend on how people of goodwill respond to the challenge. I urge you to read his book, and then do your part." -- Adam Kinzinger, author of Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country

"After a distinguished career in law enforcement and complex investigations, Tim Heaphy is the one person who led efforts to understand both Charlottesville and January 6. From that unique vantage point, he distills the common lessons of those stains on our history to tell us what happened and how we all can do better -- governments, social media providers, and ordinary citizens. His deeply informed work is essential reading for all who hope to learn from the past so we don't repeat it." -- James Comey, former FBI Director and author of A Higher Loyalty: Truth., Lies, and Leadership

"His unique role as leader of investigations into both the 2017 violence in Charlottesville and the Jan. 6 assault on the US Capitol has given Tim Heaphy keen insights into the political divisions, collapse of public trust, and failures of government that bedevil America today. In this highly readable book, he shares his lessons learned and points constructive paths forward toward a healthier and more hopeful future." -- David Von Drehle, author of The Book of Charlie: Wisdom from the Remarkable American Life of a 109-Year-Old Man

"Harbingers is must read for anyone who wants to understand the toxic ideologies and violent threats lurking just beneath the surface of our fractured politics. Heaphy unflinchingly examines the forces that lead to Charlottesville and presents the historic January 6th Select Committee's investigative work, which he helms, through the lens of disinformation, racism and multiple failings among political and law enforcement leaders. A riveting and vitally important read." -- Nicolle Wallace, host of MSNBC's Deadline: White House

"In his sobering re-telling of what he saw firsthand investigating the horrific events of January 6th and the Charlottesville white supremacist rally, Tim Heaphy demonstrates the importance of democracy and why we all need to do our part to preserve it. This book is an essential read to come to terms with our past and build a path forward free from political violence, which sadly appears to be on the rise." -- Preet Bharara, author of Doing Justice: A Prosecutor's Thoughts on Crime, Punishment, and the Rule of Law

"This book is critical to understanding the links between the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville and the attack on the Capitol on January 6. Tim Heaphy does a great job detailing the cultural forces that seek to divide us -- and providing solutions to make sure our democracy stays intact. A must-read." -- US Senator Tim Kaine

"Two recent disturbing events have alerted us to the spreading poison of violence and hatred in our country -- the racist, antisemitic march of white nationalists in Charlottesville, Virginia in August 2017, and the shocking insurrection of January 6, 2021 that sought to stop the peaceful transfer of presidential power at the US Capitol. We must not forget them, and we need to understand them fully. Fortunately, Tim Heaphy -- who was deeply involved in investigating both -- has penned this must-read book. If citizens are wise enough to follow his prescription for change, Americans will have a chance to cure what ails us before more damage is done. " -- Larry J. Sabato, Director, UVA Center for Politics