Officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 say their struggles linger, 5 years after the riot
Five years after the Capitol riot, officers who defended the building continue to grapple with lasting trauma, particularly following a wave of pardons issued by former President Trump for those convicted of crimes during the attack. The pardons have revived feelings of injustice among officers like Aquilino Gonell and Daniel Hodges, who sustained injuries while trying to protect the Capitol during the violent breach. Many officers feel that their sacrifices are being overshadowed by political narratives minimizing the violence. The Capitol Police department has since implemented better support systems and training, yet the officers remain haunted by public perception and their own struggles with post-traumatic stress. Moving forward, some officers are seeking personal healing and understanding while advocating for awareness of their experiences.
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Aquilino Gonell, a former Capitol Police Sgt., received calls from federal agencies after Trump pardoned around 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 riot, including those who harmed officers like him.
More than 140 police officers were injured during the Capitol riot as rioters turned increasingly violent, leading to long-term health and psychological issues for many of the officers involved.
Former Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger noted that many officers initially felt angry due to inadequate equipment and training to handle the unexpected violence during the riot.
Daniel Hodges testified about his injuries and the ongoing public and political minimization of the violence, expressing frustration over the perception of the events by some in the community and among fellow officers.
The Capitol Police have since improved wellness services and training, making the department 'unrecognizable' from its state on January 6, according to former officer Winston Pingeon, who left the force due to trauma from the events.