Former Capitol Police officers who were present during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection have expressed deep concern over President-elect Trump’s reported commitment to pardon rioters involved in the violent events that unfolded on that fateful day. Former Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, in an interview with the Washington Post, described Trump’s stance on pardoning the insurrectionists as “a betrayal, a stab in the heart.” According to Gonell, seeking accountability for the events of Jan. 6 has been a long-standing priority for those affected by the violence, and the prospect of pardons for the perpetrators raises serious doubts about whether justice will ever be served.
Despite facing pushback from lawmakers, congressional staffers, and members of the Capitol Police force, Trump has indicated that one of his initial actions upon assuming office will be to pardon individuals currently imprisoned for their roles in the insurrection. This decision has left many, including Gonell, feeling disillusioned and questioning the willingness of those in power to hold wrongdoers accountable for their actions. Gonell himself suffered lasting injuries during the events of Jan. 6 and has since made the difficult decision to resign from his position within the federal force, citing the toll that the insurrection took on his health, career, and personal relationships.
Former Capitol police Officer Harry Dunn, who also chose to resign in the aftermath of the insurrection, has echoed Gonell’s sentiments regarding the potential pardons. Dunn, who is now running for a congressional seat, emphasized the importance of accountability and denounced the idea of forgiving individuals who engaged in violent and unlawful behavior on Jan. 6. He highlighted the disturbing trend of insurrectionists justifying their actions in the name of Trump, only to have the former president consider pardoning them, sending a message that their actions may be excused and forgotten.
Both Dunn and Gonell are resolute in their commitment to preserving the memory of the events of Jan. 6 and ensuring that history does not repeat itself. They emphasize the psychological burden that the Capitol now carries for those who experienced the violence firsthand, noting that the trauma of that day continues to affect them deeply. Their determination to prevent future acts of violence and honor the individuals harmed in 2021 underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for accountability and justice to prevail.
Despite opposition from some Senate Republicans, who have indicated that they would not interfere with Trump’s plans to pardon the insurrectionists, concerns persist regarding the implications of such pardons. With Trump set to be inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2025, the possibility of overturning the cases of numerous individuals involved in the insurrection looms large, raising questions about the message that would be sent by granting clemency to those who participated in the violent breach of the Capitol.
The voices of Gonell, Dunn, and others who experienced the events of Jan. 6 serve as a stark reminder of the need for accountability, justice, and a commitment to up
