Outrageous and Dangerous!’ Ex-Capitol Police Sergeant Torches Trump Over Jan. 6 Pardons, You Won’t Believe What He Said

Former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell strongly criticized President-elect Donald Trump in a New York Times op-ed, just days before the fourth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot.

Gonell, who was injured during the violent attack, condemned Trump’s promise to pardon those convicted of crimes related to the insurrection.

Gonell wrote that the individuals who stormed the Capitol were far from peaceful protesters.

He warned that pardoning them would release around 800 convicted criminals, potentially putting him and others in danger. “I’ve continued to testify in court and give victim statements against dozens of rioters who assaulted me and my fellow officers,” he explained.

The former officer also took aim at Trump’s character, comparing his own military service in Iraq to Trump’s avoidance of the Vietnam draft due to a medical exemption for bone spurs.

Gonell highlighted the sacrifices he made in his career. “Mr. Trump is returning to the presidency at 78, while I had to leave the career I worked my whole life for at 42 because of the injuries I suffered doing my job,” he said.

Reflecting on the events of January 6, Gonell questioned the fairness of Trump’s continued rise to power despite his role in inciting the riot. “I risked my life to defend our elected officials from a mob inspired by Mr. Trump, only to see him return stronger than ever,” Gonell wrote.

“It’s hard to watch a wealthy, powerful man get rewarded for wrongdoing while I’m left suffering for doing the right thing. Maybe that’s why so many people avoid doing the right thing — because it’s hard, and it hurts.”