Capitol Police officer stands up to Mike Pence for downplaying the Jan. 6 attack

A U.S. Capitol Police officer is laying out his grievances about the lenient sentences riot suspects are facing for their participation in the Jan. 6 insurrection.
Speaking to NPR.org, U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell described the scene he was faced with on Jan. 6 while stationed on the west entrance to the Capitol. According to Gonnell, the scene was similar to a "medieval battleground."
He also made it clear that he believes the sentences are not harsh enough considering the trauma Capitol rioters inflicted on him and other members of law enforcement.
"Their jail time is less than my recovery time," said Gonell, who is still recovering from a shoulder injury. "The charges they're getting do not compare to the mental and physical injuries some of the police officers, including myself, got."
On Twitter, Gonell was critical of former Vice President Mike Pence, who has downplayed the attack that targeted him:
Pence: \u201cthat one day in January\u201d. This happened to me giving him and others time to escape to safely so he wouldn\u2019t get hanged/executed. To some, my efforts and injuries are just an exaggeration. THEY did this to me. This why it matters to me and should matters to you.pic.twitter.com/8pg2fL7F8y— Staff Sergeant Gonell, Aquilino (@Staff Sergeant Gonell, Aquilino) 1640889807
But despite the trauma he endured, he also said that he would do it again if he had to.
"It's mind-boggling to hear some of the things that are coming from some of these elected officials, Gonell said. "But at the end of the day, our job is to make them safe and make their work environment safer, regardless of our opinion or political affiliation."
As a result of all that transpired on Jan. 6, several hundred individuals were arrested for storming the Capitol. Even now, Gonnell has admitted how difficult it is to see the lawmakers who supported their efforts.
READ: Why Trump’s legal bills are costing the GOP a fortune: 'There is no precedent for this'
"We risked our lives to give them enough time to get to safety. And allegedly, some of them were in communication with some of the rioters and with some of the coordinators or in the know of what would happen," Gonell said. "And it makes you question their motives and their loyalty for the country, as we were battling the mob in a brutal battle where I could have lost my life and my dear fellow officers, as well."
- FBI tracks down suspect allegedly involved in Capitol Police officer ... ›
- Capitol riot defendant charged with carrying a gun allegedly ... ›
- Capitol Police officer reported by friend 'of 40 years' after disclosing ... ›
- January 6 committee to request Mike Pence voluntarily testify - Alternet.org ›
- Capitol Police dismiss Texas GOP congressman’s accusation that he’s being illegally investigated - Alternet.org ›
- Mike Pence defends RNC resolution declaring January 6th insurrection as ‘legitimate political discourse’ - Alternet.org ›
- A Jan. 6 Capitol riot suspect has been granted political asylum in pro-Putin Belarus - Alternet.org ›