Aftermath of the Capitol Riot: Police Officers Reflect on Their Trauma

Mon Jan 05 2026 12:30:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Five years after the Capitol riot, officers like Aquilino Gonell discuss their ongoing struggles with trauma and the controversial pardons granted by former President Donald Trump.

As the anniversary of the Capitol riot approaches, officers who defended the building reflect on the impact of the events and the pardons granted to many of the rioters. Aquilino Gonell, along with others, expresses frustration over the narrative that downplays the violence they endured, highlighting ongoing physical and emotional struggles. With security improvements in place, the officers continue to speak out about their experiences in the hopes of fostering understanding and support.

WASHINGTON — Five years after the insurrection on January 6, 2021, former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell and other officers reflect on their ongoing struggles with trauma and the controversial pardons granted by former President Donald Trump.

As Trump was inaugurated for a second term on January 20, 2025, Gonell disconnected from the news, but soon learned that Trump had pardoned around 1,500 individuals convicted for their involvement in the riot, including those who injured him while he fought to defend the Capitol.

“They told me that people I testified against were being released from prison,” said Gonell. “This has created a sense of injustice.”

Gonell, who was dragged into the crowd and suffered lasting injuries that forced him to leave the Capitol Police, expressed frustration at the attempts by some politicians and influencers to minimize the violent events of January 6. “They have tried to erase what I did,” he lamented.

Officer Daniel Hodges, another officer injured in the chaos, echoed these sentiments, stating, A lot of things are getting worse, as discussions about the riot continue to unfold a few years later.

More than 140 officers were injured during the riot, and many are still facing the repercussions of their experiences. Some, including former Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, have spoken out about the anger and resentment felt by officers who felt unprepared for the violence they encountered.

The pardons handed out by Trump have only compounded the difficulties many officers face, with some feeling that these actions erased any sense of justice.

As public perception shifts, those involved in the defense of the Capitol continue to advocate for recognition and support for their sacrifices.

“It’s essential to share our stories,” said Gonell, as he works to foster empathy and understanding around the events that unfolded that fateful day.

Despite the changes in security measures at the Capitol, the personal toll on these officers remains a poignant reminder of the violence they confronted and the complexities of public and political sentiment surrounding the January 6 events.