Washington, D.C. — As Donald Trump took his oath of office for a second term on January 20, 2025, former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell sought a momentary reprieve from the constant barrage of news by silencing his phone. However, the tranquility was short-lived. By the evening, after a family dinner and a long walk with his dog, his phone buzzed incessantly with alerts from federal law enforcement officials. They informed him that Trump had granted pardons to approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles during the January 6 insurrection—many of whom had assaulted police officers like Gonell while attempting to overturn the election results.
In the chaotic events of January 6, 2021, Gonell was tasked with defending the Capitol as a violent mob surged through its doors. He recalled the distressing moment when he was pulled into the throng, struggling to break free and nearly suffocating in the process. The physical injuries he sustained have lingered, a constant reminder of that horrific day. “They have tried to erase what happened,” Gonell said, reflecting on his ongoing battles with health issues and the loss of his law enforcement career.
Five years following the attack, many officers like Gonell remain grappling with the ramifications of that day, especially in light of Trump’s sweeping pardons. Their challenges are compounded by rhetoric from some lawmakers and public figures who attempt to downplay the violence as exaggerated. Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges, who sustained significant injuries during the confrontation, expressed growing concerns over the ongoing minimization of their experiences. “It’s been a difficult year,” he said, stressing that the ramifications of that day, both physically and emotionally, continue to weigh heavily.
On January 6, 2021, more than 140 officers were injured in brutal skirmishes that escalated throughout the day. Former Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger noted that upon his arrival several months later, he found an anguished workforce grappling with physical and psychological scars. The officers voiced frustrations not only over their injuries but also regarding inadequate preparations and resources to confront a fiercer-than-expected crowd.
Many law enforcement officials are unsettled by attempts to recast the day’s violent occurrences. Visual evidence documenting the chaos is widely available, contradicting narratives that try to diminish its severity. Trump has labeled those he pardoned as “patriots” caught in what he describes as a “grave national injustice,” further fueling the frustrations of officers like Adam Eveland. Eveland, who defended against the rioters, remarked that each case deserving of clemency should have undergone rigorous scrutiny before any pardons were issued.
Hodges and Gonell have been outspoken since testifying before Congress in 2021. While they have received support from various quarters, they have also encountered pushback, particularly during political discussions. At a Senate hearing addressing political violence, Hodges was surprised to see some Republican witnesses affirming Trump’s actions. This phenomenon extends beyond political circles, with friends and even fellow officers often expressing disbelief regarding the severity of the insurrection.
In response to the needs of those affected by January 6, Manger’s tenure saw significant enhancements in officer support services, including wellness programs that were lacking before. He implemented improved training, equipment, and operational plans aimed at preventing such events from recurring. “If something like that happened again, the building would never be breached,” Manger asserted, emphasizing a profound transformation in the Capitol Police’s preparedness.
The influence of that day continues to reverberate among former officers. Winston Pingeon left the force months after the insurrection, seeking solace in painting and advocating for peace. “I want to move past the trauma,” he shared, indicating a desire to forgive but acknowledging the weight of his experiences. Gonell, too, has transitioned out of law enforcement due to his injuries, spending time writing a book about his ordeal while continuing to grapple with post-traumatic stress.
Despite the ongoing struggles, some officers remain committed to sharing their stories, hoping that their accounts will motivate greater understanding and support among the public regarding the realities of January 6. “Just because something was significant to me doesn’t mean everyone feels the same,” Eveland remarked. Their narratives stand as a testament to the lasting impacts of that fateful day and the complex journey of healing that continues for so many.