Jan 6th DC Police Officer: "I went To Hell And Back."

[PoliTalker]

"WASHINGTON — A group of uniformed officers on Tuesday implored Republican members of Congress to stop downplaying the Jan. 6 attacks on the Capitol as they described in striking detail what one said felt like a “medieval battle” with insurrectionists.

“I remember thinking there was a very good chance I would be torn apart, shot to death with my own weapon,” Michael Fanone, a D.C. police officer, told a House select committee tasked with investigating the events of that day.

“What makes the struggle harder and more painful is to know so many of my fellow citizens, including so many of the people I put my life at risk to defend, are downplaying or outright denying what happened,” Fanone said. “I feel like I went to hell and back to protect them. But too many are now telling me that hell doesn’t exist, or that hell wasn’t that bad.”

Their pleas came hours before a group of former President Donald Trump’s most ardent supporters in the House, including U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler, were set to hold a press conference outside the Justice Department casting insurrectionists now in jail as political prisoners — the latest example of Republican lawmakers downplaying the violence that left five people dead.

GOP lawmakers have cast the panel as a political device for Democrats to keep the events of that day front and center ahead of the 2022 midterms, even as they’ve resisted efforts to form a bipartisan commission and declined to take part.

“Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi will only pick people onto the committee that will ask the questions she wants asked,” House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said before the hearing. “That becomes a failed committee and a failed report, a sham that no one can believe.”"

***

If McCarthy wanted an independent, 9/11-style commission to investigate the insurrection, why did he prevent that from happening when Pelosi was ready to move forward with it?

***

"The officers who delivered emotional testimony in the committee’s first hearing described being dragged to the ground and beaten as they struggled with rioters trying to take their batons, shields and guns.

Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who is Black, described the crowd repeatedly shouting a racial slur at him. [The Trump-supporting racists repeatedly called him a you-know-what.] Others said they were called traitors as rioters shocked them with Tasers and squirted them with pepper spray and other chemical irritants. Six months later they said they are still recovering from injuries and trauma from that day.

“What we were subjected to that day was like something from a medieval battle,” said Aquilino Gonell, a Capitol police sergeant.

Gonell, an Army veteran, said it was the first time he “was more afraid to work at the Capitol than my entire deployment in Iraq.”

Gonell said he couldn’t sleep that night because irritants sprayed on him that day reactivated after he took a shower and burned his skin. Gonell described injuries on both of his hands, his left shoulder, left calf and right foot. He said he had to have surgery on his foot and was just told he will need surgery on his left shoulder, as well. He expects to need physical therapy for more than a year."

'I went to hell and back': Capitol Police testify as House begins inquiry into Jan. 6 riot

[archives]

It was a lot of "nice people," a "lovefest," besides, the Capitol police "let they into the building"

[Phantasmal]

It was a lot of "nice people," a "lovefest," besides, the Capitol police "let they into the building"

They were tourists with a sledgehammer, don’t you always pack a sledgehammer?

[Dachshund]

It was a lot of "nice people," a "lovefest," besides, the Capitol police "let they into the building"

I wonder why Nancy Pelosi won't let anyone see the many hours of security video footage recorded inside the Capitol on 6th/Jan. These video recordings would have captured a tremendous amount of the activity that was going on inside the Capitol building after the Patriots trespassed through the open front entrance on the 6th, Jan, 2021. We would also gain a better idea of how many and how severe any conflicts were that took place between the DC Police and the unarmed, Trump loyalists/Patriots. Actually, I think a hell of a lot of very interesting things is almost certainly recorded on the security video footage. So, how, exactly, does the decrepit, Botox- Queen and octagenarian booze-hound , Pelosi have the authority to "sit on" this video evidence? What does the OLD BAG have to hide ??



Dachshund



DLM....Dachshund Lives Matter !

[PoliTalker]

“Even though there is overwhelming evidence to the contrary, including hours and hours of video and photographic coverage, there is a continuous and shocking attempt to ignore or try to destroy the truth of what truly happened that day, and to whitewash the facts,” Gonell said. “There are some who express outrage when someone kneels while calling for social justice. Where are those same people expressing the outrage to condemn the violent attack on law enforcement, the Capitol and our American democracy? I’m still waiting for that.”

The officers also said it was clear the rioters were there at Trump’s urging. The former president, who was impeached for inciting the insurrection, hosted a rally before the attacks, where he told his supporters to to “fight much harder.”

[Rasputin]

“There are some who express outrage when someone kneels while calling for social justice. Where are those same people expressing the outrage to condemn the violent attack on law enforcement, the Capitol and our American democracy? I’m still waiting for that.”

That line is BS. It was nothing but a bumper sticker, and the crying politicians were BS to. This mess was nothing but a TV show put on by political operatives, one long desperate campaign ad. No one in that room today is after facts, they are after likes, and retweets. I don't subscribe to any other political philosophy. I think both sides are cultish as does most of the country. You may believe Trump gave directions to the protester's, fine, but if you claim that you believe this committee serves an actually purpose other then politics I would believe you weren't telling the truth. Why didn't anyone ask these cops where they were during any of the other riots that happened at the white house the last 4 years? No question on why this Jan 6gth riot was so bad, but none of the others were? And finally, what evidence do any of these cops have to support any of their claims other then tears ?

[PoliTalker]

Welcome to the discussions, Rasputin.

Before I respond to your comment I'd like you to know that I will never attack you, only your comments. I ask the same in return. My rules are more strict than the site rules. Here's how I roll:

"Personal Ignore Policy PIP: I like civil discourse. I will give you all the respect in the world if you respect me. Mouth off to me, or express overt racism, you will be PERMANENTLY Ignore Listed. Zero tolerance. No exceptions. I'll never read a word you write, even if quoted by another, nor respond to you, nor participate in your threads. ... Ignore the shallow. Cherish the thoughtful. Long Live Civil Discourse, Mutual Respect, and Good Debate! ps: Feel free to adopt my PIP. It works well."

If that is agreeable, I hope we have plenty of great discussions. I really do. But if not, we probably won't be talking long. I have no qualms over having a very large Ignore List. I expected it when I arrived here 3+ years ago, and it works just fine for me. OK, nuff said about that. Onward...

“There are some who express outrage when someone kneels while calling for social justice. Where are those same people expressing the outrage to condemn the violent attack on law enforcement, the Capitol and our American democracy? I’m still waiting for that.”

That line is BS. It was nothing but a bumper sticker, and the crying politicians were BS to. This mess was nothing but a TV show put on by political operatives, one long desperate campaign ad. No one in that room today is after facts, they are after likes, and retweets. I don't subscribe to any other political philosophy. I think both sides are cultish as does most of the country. You may believe Trump gave directions to the protester's, fine, but if you claim that you believe this committee serves an actually purpose other then politics I would believe you weren't telling the truth. Why didn't anyone ask these cops where they were during any of the other riots that happened at the white house the last 4 years? No question on why this Jan 6gth riot was so bad, but none of the others were? And finally, what evidence do any of these cops have to support any of their claims other then tears ?

I call BS.

Republicans prevented a fair independent totally bipartisan 911 style commission that Democrats were ready to fully accept.

Most of the Capitol Hill Republicans don't want the truth. They don't want to face it. The only thing keeping the Republican party strong is The Big Lie.

And that is sad. The Republican Party is now built on a big lie. Whatever happened to arguing for smaller government? Isn't that message enough any more? What is with all the hatred, racism and propaganda? That won't make America greater. And btw, America was already great, still is, and has been for a long time. No help from Trump, but he'll gladly take credit for what others have done. Trump makes me sick. He is like a political disease.

We had an election. It was the most secure election in our history. Trump lost. Most voters saw thru his shtick.

Trump is to be admired for one thing. A dubious distinction to be sure: Trump is the biggest con man in history.

And now he earns a new title.

The sorest loser in history.

He is such a sore loser, he'd rather tear our already great nation apart, see people die over it, than to admit defeat.

He's fooling himself, but that's nothing new. He's been doing that his whole life. He thinks he earned his billions? Guess again. He cheated investors, ripped off contractors, stiffed We The People instead of paying his taxes. He's a grifter. A rip off artist.

The really sad thing for America is how he is fooling his supporters. They think he's got their back and that is tragically sad. Time and time again he has rewarded loyalty by throwing his most dedicated team members under the bus. It cannot be denied without lying to oneself.

Loyalty to Trump is not returned. All he does is take, and then when people are of no more use to him? He throws them away. He belongs in prison.

[evince]

“There are some who express outrage when someone kneels while calling for social justice. Where are those same people expressing the outrage to condemn the violent attack on law enforcement, the Capitol and our American democracy? I’m still waiting for that.”

That line is BS. It was nothing but a bumper sticker, and the crying politicians were BS to. This mess was nothing but a TV show put on by political operatives, one long desperate campaign ad. No one in that room today is after facts, they are after likes, and retweets. I don't subscribe to any other political philosophy. I think both sides are cultish as does most of the country. You may believe Trump gave directions to the protester's, fine, but if you claim that you believe this committee serves an actually purpose other then politics I would believe you weren't telling the truth. Why didn't anyone ask these cops where they were during any of the other riots that happened at the white house the last 4 years? No question on why this Jan 6gth riot was so bad, but none of the others were? And finally, what evidence do any of these cops have to support any of their claims other then tears ?

You are an idiot


You hate all of America huh


Then get the shizz out


We don’t need people who cant determine fact from fiction and thinks all humans are evil

[Hawkeye10]

Why were the police not supported and prepared?

This must be answered.

[archives]

Why were the police not supported and prepared?

This must be answered.

Trump controled the National Guard, McCarthy wasn't pleading for local police, so I guess Trump is the one who must supply the answer you are looking for

[SmarterthanYou]

Trump controled the National Guard, McCarthy wasn't pleading for local police, so I guess Trump is the one who must supply the answer you are looking for

posse comitatus, much?

seriously, though, the potential for the events on 1/6 happening were all but confirmed. local DC and federal officials KNEW something was going to happen. they should have been prepared with all hands on deck......why were they not?

[archives]

posse comitatus, much?

seriously, though, the potential for the events on 1/6 happening were all but confirmed. local DC and federal officials KNEW something was going to happen. they should have been prepared with all hands on deck......why were they not?

posse comitatus doesn't relate, DC is a Federal District, and the President is in charge of the DC National Guard, he is the only one who can order them in, as I said, what did you think McCarthy was pleading for Trump to do that day

[SmarterthanYou]

posse comitatus doesn't relate, DC is a Federal District, and the President is in charge of the DC National Guard, he is the only one who can order them in, as I said, what did you think McCarthy was pleading for Trump to do that day

LOL, please go learn some more about the law first before responding with idiocy. I don't give a damn what mccarthy said or did..........honestly. i'm totally looking at this particular aspect as simply a law question

[PoliTalker]

Hello archives,

posse comitatus doesn't relate, DC is a Federal District, and the President is in charge of the DC National Guard, he is the only one who can order them in, as I said, what did you think McCarthy was pleading for Trump to do that day

Trump was having too much fun watching it on TV to do anything about it. He was positively giddy with delight.

[dukkha]

Sergeant at Arms turned down help - that position reports to Pelosi

The Capitol Police chief, said he had expected a display of “First Amendment activities” that instead turned into a “violent attack.” But Gus Papathanasiou, head of the Capitol Police union, said planning failures left officers exposed without backup or equipment against surging crowds of rioters.

“We were lucky that more of those who breached the Capitol did not have firearms or explosives and did not have a more malign intent,” Papathanasiou said in a statement. “Tragic as the deaths are that resulted from the attack, we are fortunate the casualty toll was not higher.”

The Justice Department, FBI and other agencies began to monitor hotels, flights and social media for weeks and were expecting large crowds. Mayor Muriel Bowser had warned of impending violence for weeks, and businesses had closed in anticipation. She requested National Guard help from the Pentagon on Dec. 31, but the Capitol Police turned down the Jan. 3 offer from the Defense Department, according to Kenneth Rapuano, assistant defense secretary for homeland security.

“We asked more than once and the final return that we got on Sunday the 3rd was that they would not be asking DOD for assistance,” he said.

The Justice Department’s offer for FBI support as the protesters grew violent was rejected by the Capitol Police
https://apnews.com/article/capitol-p...828a07e4d03380