'A difficult year.' How officers who defended the Capitol are grappling with efforts to downplay Jan. 6 violence
PBS••nation
Key Points:
- Officer Michael Gonell and other Capitol police officers who defended the West Front entrance during the Jan. 6 attack continue to struggle with physical injuries, PTSD, and the emotional toll of the violent riot, compounded by former President Trump's pardons of rioters.
- Over 140 officers were injured during the attack, and many have expressed frustration over the lack of adequate training and equipment provided before the event, as well as the ongoing efforts to minimize the violence they faced.
- Trump’s pardons of rioters, including those who assaulted police officers, have been widely criticized by the officers and some lawmakers as undermining justice and erasing the sacrifices made by law enforcement.
- Despite backlash and skepticism from some politicians, family, and friends, officers like
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