In brief
As Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term, former Capitol Police officers, including Aquilino Gonell, expressed their distress over the pardons granted to individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 riots. Many of these officers continue to cope with physical injuries and psychological trauma stemming from the attack. The situation has been further complicated by political narratives that downplay the violence they experienced. They emphasize the need for acknowledgment and support while recounting their harrowing experiences during the defense of the Capitol.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Following Donald Trump's inauguration for his second term on January 20, 2025, a group of Capitol Police officers, including former Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, are reflecting on the lasting impacts of the January 6, 2021, riot. They were shocked to learn that Trump had pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted in connection with the riot, including some who assaulted them during the attack.
Overwhelmed by their emotional burden, many officers have found it difficult to reconcile their trauma with the political narratives emerging around them. Gonell reported receiving a flood of messages from authorities about the pardons, including those who committed violence against him while he defended the Capitol against rioters attempting to disrupt the certification of Joe Biden’s victory.
“They told me that people I testified against were being released from prison,” said Gonell. "They have tried to erase what I did,” he added, expressing frustration over lost career opportunities due to his injuries.
The impact of the riot continues to reverberate, with more than 140 officers injured and many experiencing ongoing physical and emotional challenges. Fellow officer Daniel Hodges spoke on the pervasive violence, recounting brutal encounters that left them traumatized.
Former Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger acknowledged the anger among officers regarding their inadequate preparation for the violent crowd. As discussions continue about pardons and the portrayal of the riot, officers are left grappling with their experiences, demanding a more accurate representation of the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
Gonell and others have begun documenting their experiences, with some like Hodges advocating for better mental health support for officers. They are pushing for recognition of their suffering as they navigate the residual effects of their service on January 6.
