Courage for America and Officers Who Defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6th Condemn Pardoning of Insurrectionists
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, President Donald Trump pardoned January 6th insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol and attacked law enforcement officers. Courage for America council members and former U.S. Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on January 6th, Officer Harry Dunn and Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, released the following statements condemning the decision from Trump as one of his first actions for his second term as president:
“Today is another dark day in American history and a continuation of the stain that January 6th left on our nation’s history. I am infuriated, but not surprised in the slightest. We can’t pretend to be shocked because Trump has fulfilled his longstanding promise to pardon the criminals he incited to attack me and my fellow officers,” said former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. “This decision is a betrayal to the officers who were severely injured — and died — as a result of the insurrection. This decision puts Americans at risk as these violent criminals return to their communities. These pardons are a reflection of what abuse of power looks like and what we the people are bound to witness over the next four years. Trump ran for office to avoid accountability for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and provide sanctuary for convicted criminals who were complicit in his efforts. Members of Congress have an obligation to hold him accountable for his extremism, now and in the future, because the future of our democracy depends on it.”
“When I defended the Capitol on January 6th alongside my colleagues, I was simply doing my job. I was fulfilling my oath to the badge and the Constitution because it is what I swore to do. I feel betrayed. Despite what we all witnessed four years ago, the American people voted him back in office, and one of the first things that he does is pardon the criminals who nearly took my life. It’s a desecration to our service and the sacrifices made to keep everyone safe. It’s a violation to our democracy and a disgrace to the title he holds once again,” said former Capitol Police Officer, Sergeant Aquilino Gonell. “Like many of my colleagues, I lost my livelihood as an officer, as well as my health and wellbeing. Five officers who served that day lost their lives. Not only was he put above the law, but now he wants those who fought for him to avoid justice and be seen as heroes. This is a miserable miscarriage of justice and erases accountability for the criminals who have done irreparable damage to our nation. The scars of January 6, 2021 are seared in my mind and body, and I will never truly recover from the events of that day. Regardless of party or political affiliation, I call on all elected officials today to condemn these pardons. We must oppose extremism and ensure that something like this never happens again.”Regardless of party or political affiliation, I call on all elected officials today to condemn these pardons. We must oppose extremism and ensure that something like this never happens again.”
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About Courage for America
Courage for America is a campaign advised by a council of proud Americans speaking out against an extreme MAGA agenda that puts money and power over the rights and freedoms of the American people. The campaign is amplifying the voices of Americans in communities across the country — veterans, educators, faith leaders, and more — to demand the People’s House works for the people. courageforamerica.org