In brief
Five years post the January 6 siege, Capitol Police officers are still processing their experiences, especially after Trump's re-election and subsequent pardons of rioters. Many officers, whose injuries persist, have spoken out against attempts to downplay the violence, grappling with public perception and personal recovery amidst a heated political landscape.
WASHIGTON (AP) — On January 20, 2025, former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell stepped away from the chaos of the news to spend time with his family. However, a storm was brewing back home as Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term. Shortly after, calls began pouring in from federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents, notifying him that Trump had pardoned around 1,500 individuals convicted due to their involvement in the violent January 6, 2021 Capitol riot—including those who had assaulted him during the incident.Gonell, who fought to protect the Capitol during the attack, expressed deep frustration, stating, “They told me that people I testified against were being released from prison... I lost my career, my health, and I’ve been trying to get my life back.” Gonell recalls the harrowing moments of January 6, where he was nearly suffocated by the rioters while defending the building as Congress confirmed Joe Biden's election.Five years later, he and other officers are grappling with the trauma of that day further compounded by Trump's pardons and the minimization of violence by the president and other GOP lawmakers. It’s been a difficult year, Officer Daniel Hodges, another officer injured during the riot, lamented.In a broader context, over 140 police officers sustained injuries during that infamous day. Many experienced anger and resentment due to inadequate support during the riot, and past Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger noted significant changes in departmental policies to support officers post-attack.Despite claims from lawmakers and public opinion minimizing the severity of the attack, Gonell and others remain focused on sharing their experiences, advocating for proper recognition of the events. Gonell has written about his struggles even as he copes with PTSD, seeking to contribute positively through storytelling and support.“Just because something happened to me and was a major part of my world doesn’t mean that everyone else has to understand that or even be sympathetic to that,” Eveland, a former officer, stated, pushing forward in hope of greater understanding within the community. As these officers continue to navigate their healing journey, their resilience amid the political turmoil remains evident, their stories a testament to their sacrifices.
