Sergeant Aquilino Gonell and Officer Michael Fanone Condemn Trump’s Plan for Dangerous Agenda if He Wins 2024 Election, Suggestion of Violence if He Loses
“We cannot let Trump’s violent extremism once again see the light of day”
WASHINGTON, D.C — Today, Courage for America Councilmembers Sergeant Aquilino Gonell and Officer Michael Fanone, both severely injured from defending the Capitol on January 6th, responded to former President Donald Trump’s interview with TIME Magazine, in which Trump condoned political violence following the 2024 election if he does not win. He also expressed clear intentions to “absolutely” consider pardoning Jan. 6 insurrectionists, along with other plans for continuing the dangerous MAGA agenda.
“It’s absolutely horrendous and tremendously concerning that Donald Trump is fueling and encouraging political violence — violence which is undemocratic and solely for the benefit of pushing his extreme agenda,” said Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, Courage for America Councilmember. “Donald Trump wants to pick up right where he left off and flood the country with his un-American and dangerous agenda. MAGA Republicans in Congress are also aligned with him, which makes the threat to our democracy even more clear. I nearly lost my life on January 6th, and I continue to suffer from the impact it has had on me and my life. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, even my worst enemy. Trump’s agenda cannot become a reality.”
“We cannot let Trump’s violent extremism once again see the light of day. He’s now saying the quiet part out loud, and I will not stand by while our democracy is on the line. Knowing what Trump is capable of, I’m not willing to take any chances, and neither should anyone else,” said Officer Michael Fanone, Courage for America Councilmember. “Trump and House Republicans continue to defend insurrectionists — the same insurrectionists who tried to kill me and my fellow officers — and perpetuate the Big Lie that he won the 2020 election. It disgusts me that he’s so proud to push this insidious plan to uproot our democracy. Donald Trump has been, and continues to be, a proud spokesperson for political violence in this country, and I look forward to the day we are no longer subjected to him or his MAGA lap dogs in Congress.”
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