United States: the poignant testimonies of the police officers present during the assault on the Capitol
The police officers present during the assault on the Capitol testified to the events before the bipartisan commission set up on July 27, 2021 in Washington.
© Oliver Contreras / AP
Text by: RFI Follow
4 min
The commission of inquiry into the January 6 assault on the Capitol began its work this Tuesday morning July 27 in Washington.
Four police officers who were victims of rioters gave moving testimonies.
All four spoke of their shock, their trauma after the events of January 6 and their anger at those who downplay the scope of this assault on the Capitol.
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With our correspondent in Washington,
Anne Corpet
“
I feel like I have been in hell and too many people, including those I have protected at the risk of my life, downplay what happened.
This indifference is scandalous!
», Thunders Michael Fanone, slamming his fist on the table.
This policeman almost died on January 6 and does not take offense against the elected officials who continue to deny the seriousness of the events.
"
They betray their oath,
" he said.
Testimony of Michael Fanone
Anne Corpet
"
I was not ready for such an outburst of violence"
One by one, the four officers called to testify evoke their anxieties and traumas.
"
I was more scared that day than during my entire deployment in Iraq
" assures Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, "
in Iraq it was war, but I was not ready for such an outburst of violence. at the heart of our democracy
”.
Harry Dunn evokes the racist insults that have been uttered against him "
I had never experienced this in uniform
" he remarks.
The emotion is palpable in the voices of these four witnesses when they relate this day.
"
It was an attempted coup
" asserts Aquilino Gonell.
Speaking directly to elected officials, he adds: "
I was ready to sacrifice my life to protect you
".
►Also read: Interview - Attack on the Capitol: "
From the outset, the Republicans wanted to sabotage the commission of inquiry
"
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