In brief
This excerpt takes readers into the tumultuous moments of January 6, 2021, as rioters surged into the Capitol, showcasing the courageous efforts of law enforcement officers and the chaos that ensued. Through a series of personal testimonies, the narrative reveals the brutality of the confrontations faced by officers and the desperate struggle to maintain order amidst the violence.
On January 6, 2021, chaos erupted at the U.S. Capitol as rioters loyal to then-President Donald Trump stormed the building in a frenzy fueled by false claims of a stolen election. In an exclusive excerpt from 'Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th', author Mary Clare Jalonick captures the chilling moments that transpired as lawmakers fled, police defended their ground, and the safety of democracy hung in the balance.As the clock struck 4 p.m., rioters had overpoweringly breached multiple entry points, leading to intense confrontations with law enforcement officers. A particular narrative unfolds involving Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who had forecasted that 'hell may break loose' just a day prior. His experiences on this chaotic day exemplify the perilous situation faced by the officers tasked with safeguarding the Capitol.With hundreds of rioters pushing against the police line outside the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, Sergeant Aquilino Gonell reflected on the relentless assault, describing it as a 'vicious battle' where officers stood shoulder-to-shoulder to block their advancement. Officers, including Michael Fanone and Daniel Hodges, painted a harrowing picture of hand-to-hand combat, etc., with many sustaining serious injuries while holding their ground.At one point during the fighting, officer Fanone was overwhelmed and captured by the mob, where he faced the chilling reality of possibly being killed with his own weapon as rioters chanted threats.In a shocking series of twists, the officers’ plea for backup was met with a grueling encounter, amplifying the intensity of the already chaotic day. Many voices echoed the same sentiment - thoughts of their families and the desperate need to survive the mayhem outside.Jalonick’s book compiles those terrifying moments, allowing readers to hear the voices of both the rioters and the officers who defended the Capitol, providing an unprecedented glimpse into a day that will forever mark American history.
