Full Breakdown
Lingering Struggles of Capitol Police Officers Five Years After January 6 Riot
1/5/2026, 4:02:29 AM
The Aftermath of January 6
Five years after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, many police officers who defended the building continue to grapple with the physical and emotional toll of that day. Officers like former Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell and Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges have publicly shared their ongoing struggles, which have been exacerbated by recent political developments, including President Donald Trump's pardons of over 1,500 individuals convicted for their actions during the riot.
Impact of Pardons on Officers
On January 20, 2025, following Trump's re-election, Gonell received notifications that many of the rioters he had testified against were being pardoned. He expressed deep frustration, stating, “They have tried to erase what I did” with these pardons. Similarly, Hodges, who suffered severe injuries during the riot, noted that the public perception of the events has worsened, complicating his recovery. He remarked, “A lot of things are getting worse,” reflecting the emotional burden carried by many officers.
Official Responses and Support Systems
Former Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger, who took over the department six months after the riot, acknowledged the anger among officers regarding inadequate equipment and training during the attack. He implemented wellness and counseling services to support the officers, stating, “We needed to make sure that they got the help that they needed.” Manger also emphasized improvements in training and operational planning, asserting that the Capitol is now “a great deal safer” than it was on January 6.
Criticism of Political Narratives
The narrative surrounding the January 6 events has been contentious. Trump and some Republican lawmakers have downplayed the violence, with Trump labeling the rioters as “patriots” and claiming their convictions were a “grave national injustice.” This has led to significant backlash from officers like Adam Eveland, who criticized the pardons as erasing any semblance of justice. Eveland stated, “If there were to be pardons, they should have reviewed every case,” highlighting the perceived injustice felt by those who defended the Capitol.
Conflicting Reports and Historical Revisionism
The ongoing debate about the January 6 events has seen attempts to rewrite history, with some claiming the riot was exaggerated. NPR's investigation revealed efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate records related to the attack, including the deletion of references to it as a riot. This has led to concerns among officers and lawmakers about the integrity of historical accounts. Representative Hakeem Jeffries announced a public meeting aimed at countering these narratives, emphasizing the need to preserve the truth of what transpired.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They have tried to erase what I did” — Aquilino Gonell, Former Capitol Police Sergeant
- “A lot of things are getting worse,” — Daniel Hodges, Metropolitan Police Officer
- “If there were to be pardons, Eveland said, Trump's administration should have reviewed every case.” — Adam Eveland, Former D.C. Police Officer
- “The officers who were there and were in the fight — we needed to make sure that they got the help that they needed,” — Thomas Manger, Former Capitol Police Chief
The experiences of these officers underscore the lasting impact of the January 6 riot, not only on their personal lives but also on the broader narrative surrounding the events of that day. As the fifth anniversary approaches, the struggle for recognition and justice continues.
