Capitol Officers Report Ongoing Struggles Five Years After Jan. 6

As Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term on January 20, 2025, he pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot, including those who harmed Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell. Gonell, who sustained injuries while defending the Capitol, expressed frustration over the pardons, which he felt undermined his sacrifices and the severity of the violence faced by officers. Other officers, like Daniel Hodges, echoed similar sentiments, struggling with public perception and ongoing trauma from the events. The pardons have reignited debates about justice and the narrative surrounding the January 6 attack, with many officers feeling their experiences are being minimized.

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