Officers Who Defended the U.S. Capitol Mark Four Year Anniversary of January 6th Insurrection
“Because my fellow officers and I stood our ground on that dark day, our democracy is still standing.”
WASHINGTON, DC — Today marks the fourth anniversary of the January 6th insurrection, when a violent mob — incited by Donald Trump — attacked the United States Capitol in an attempt to disrupt the certification of the 2020 elections results and overturn the election. More than 140 police officers were injured and five people died as a result of the attack, including four officers. In the wake of the attack, 147 members of Congress sided with the insurrectionists, voting to overturn the results of a free and fair election. As Donald Trump prepares to once again assume office, Officers Harry Dunn, Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, and Michael Fanone made the following statements, calling for justice and marking this dark day in American history:
“January 6th was a frightening wake-up call that our democracy, the thing we hold so precious, can be taken from us if we don’t protect it. Because my fellow officers and I stood our ground on that dark day, our democracy is still standing,” said former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn. “We now have more work to do, and we must recommit as a country to protecting the sanctity of our democracy in the coming years. The American people must call on their elected representatives to publicly oppose pardons for those who attacked the Capitol in 2021. History will reflect accurately on Trump’s actions leading up to the attack, the events on the day itself, and the aftermath of that dark day. The massive sacrifice made by law enforcement in defense of American democracy will never be forgotten.”
“Donald Trump said January 6th was a ‘day of love.’ If that’s the case, then the rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol nearly loved me to death. My life has not been the same since that horrible day, and I will never get back what I lost in the aftermath. MAGA Republicans in Congress have not supported law enforcement officers. If they had, Trump wouldn’t hold the highest office in the nation,” said former Capitol Police Officer, Sergeant Aquilino Gonell. “Trump said he will grant pardons on his first day back in office. MAGA Republicans refusing to hold him accountable and refusing to mount the plaque honoring the officers — who were simply doing their jobs when defending the Capitol four years ago — is a betrayal and clearly shows that they have taken a stand against the rule of law and our Constitution.”
“Today will be the first time Congress certifies a presidential election since the insurrection. During two decades of service with the Metropolitan Police Department, I experienced my fair share of violence, but nothing prepared me and my colleagues for what occurred that day and the days that followed,” said former Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone. “Many of the rioters who engaged in the insurrection have direct ties to violent white supremacist groups and movements, which the FBI has called ‘the greatest threat’ to U.S. national security. If we’re going to move forward in this country, we must call out the BS of Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans in Congress. They’ve shown that they’re hypocrites for turning their backs on law enforcement and the American people for their own benefit. Instead of pushing for bogus pardons for violent criminals that attacked our democracy, they should support the rule of law.”
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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