Capitol Police Officers Condemn Trump’s Pardon Promise for Jan. 6 Rioters as ‘A Betrayal’

Former Capitol Police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection have sharply criticized President-elect Donald Trump’s recent pledge to pardon individuals imprisoned for their role in the attack.

Trump has stated that granting pardons to these individuals will be one of his first priorities after taking office on January 20, despite strong backlash from lawmakers, Capitol Police officers, and other officials.

Former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, who suffered severe injuries while defending the Capitol on January 6, called Trump’s vow “a betrayal.” Speaking to The Washington Post, Gonell described the announcement as a profound insult to those who risked their lives during the riot. “It’s a betrayal, a stab in the heart,” he said.

The insurrection caused lasting physical and psychological harm to many Capitol Police officers, with Gonell among those who experienced both. Reflecting on his decision to resign from the force, he said, “I lost my health, I lost my career, I lost some friends.”

For Gonell, the events of that day and Trump’s subsequent pardon promise represent a failure to hold those responsible accountable.

Another former Capitol Police officer, Harry Dunn, also resigned following the attack and criticized Trump’s decision. Dunn, who has since pursued a congressional seat, argued that the promise of pardons undermines accountability and rewards violent behavior.

“They broke the law, violated police officers, attacked us, and then went back and said they did it in the name of Donald Trump,” Dunn said. “And then Donald Trump is going to pardon them and say it’s okay, all is forgiven.”

Both Gonell and Dunn have expressed a strong commitment to ensuring that the events of January 6 are not forgotten. They believe that acknowledging the sacrifices made by officers and holding the perpetrators accountable are crucial steps toward preventing future attacks on democracy.

Gonell spoke about the lasting impact the insurrection has had on him and his colleagues: “That place became a burden for us psychologically to this day. I mean, there are times that I go in there and I don’t recognize the place because of what happened to me and to my colleagues.”

Despite these criticisms, Senate Republicans have signaled their willingness to support Trump’s plan to pardon January 6 rioters. This stance provides Trump with a clear pathway to overturn the convictions of dozens of individuals involved in the insurrection.

Critics argue that this move undermines the rule of law and disrespects the sacrifices of law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on that day.

For Gonell and Dunn, the prospect of pardons feels like an erasure of their sacrifices and a dismissal of the violence they endured. Gonell voiced frustration over the lack of accountability, saying, “We’ve been seeking accountability for years. It doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen.”

Trump’s decision to prioritize these pardons underscores the stark divisions in the country regarding the events of January 6. While his supporters view the rioters as political prisoners deserving of clemency, critics see this as a dangerous precedent that could embolden future acts of political violence.

For law enforcement officers like Gonell and Dunn, the promise of pardons is not just a political decision but a personal affront.

As Trump’s inauguration approaches, his promise has reignited debates over justice, accountability, and the future of American democracy. Senate Republicans’ support for the plan highlights the broader partisan divide over how to address the events of January 6 and their aftermath.

The controversy surrounding Trump’s pledge is likely to remain a defining issue as his administration begins.