By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Following Donald Trump’s second inauguration in 2025, former Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell received the devastating news that Trump had pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for their actions during the January 6th Capitol riot, including those who had injured officers. Gonell and other officers, like Daniel Hodges, who defended the Capitol that day, have struggled to cope with the aftermath, particularly given the downplaying of the violence by Trump and some Republican lawmakers. Despite improvements in safety and support within the Capitol Police department, officers like Gonell and Eveland continue to face challenges, including public skepticism and the emotional toll of the events. While some officers have found ways to move forward, others are still grappling with the physical and psychological scars of that day.
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Officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 say their struggles linger, 5 years after the riot, and it’s easy to understand why. The weight of that day, the physical and emotional scars, are clearly not something that just fades away. For many, the mental health toll alone is likely immense, the constant reliving of traumatic events, the fear, and the sheer chaos of the day.
The fact that the political fallout continues to affect them directly, with some of the same people who inspired the attack still holding considerable power, only adds to the pain. It’s hard to imagine the daily frustration and confusion of having your own party, the one you likely identify with, seemingly downplay or even deny the severity of what happened. This lack of acknowledgment and the perception of a lack of justice must be deeply demoralizing. The sense of betrayal from those they swore to protect, those who they feel should have stood with them, must also be profound.
The question of support is central to their struggles. The phrase “Back the Blue” is often used, but does it truly encompass genuine support? The reality is far more complex, especially when those same officers are then subjected to the actions of some who claim to support them. It’s a painful dichotomy. The endorsements of individuals and parties who seem to disregard their suffering, or even worse, excuse the violence they faced, only makes matters more difficult.
It’s clear that the actions of January 6th were far more than just a riot. The label of “insurrection” or “attempted coup” seems far more accurate, and yet there are those who still minimize what happened. This constant denial can be incredibly isolating, as though their experiences and their trauma are being swept under the rug.
The fact that there seems to be a disconnect between the reality these officers experienced and the rhetoric used by some political figures is an additional layer of complexity. The words used to describe the events of that day really matter. Calling it a riot, a phrase often used for less serious events, diminishes the gravity and the intention behind the attack. It makes it harder to feel supported when the severity of what happened is downplayed.
The lack of accountability further adds to the lingering struggles. Many may feel the justice system has failed to provide adequate consequences for the perpetrators. The feeling that those who were responsible haven’t faced sufficient repercussions must be profoundly disheartening and, in some cases, enraging. This perceived lack of justice only adds to the emotional burden these officers carry.
One can only imagine the complexities of their personal beliefs and the realities of that day. Imagine supporting the rule of law and defending the Capitol, only to then witness those same values being undermined by a political figure who they may have voted for or supported. The cognitive dissonance involved in reconciling those two opposing forces must be truly challenging. The psychological impact of being attacked by people they may have been inclined to trust, as well as the political fallout that followed, are huge.
The whole situation seems to present a profound challenge to their own sense of identity and purpose. Law enforcement officers are trained to protect and serve. January 6th, and the subsequent aftermath, presents a situation where that role has become much more complicated and emotionally draining.
The question of who is truly “back the blue” is very relevant. It seems that many of the attackers claimed to support the police and yet were willing to attack them. The situation is complicated by the officers’ own political beliefs, since many of them likely aligned with the attackers politically. Then they have to come to grips with having supported someone who seemingly turned against them, someone who downplays the violence they suffered.
The fact that it’s been five years, and the effects are still present, highlights the enduring nature of trauma. It’s clear that healing from an event like this takes time, support, and a sense of justice, and it’s easy to see how they would feel the need for support, recognition, and justice. The fact that the attackers are still politically active and that some of the perpetrators were pardoned only complicates this healing process.
The mental health of the officers who were involved is likely to remain in focus for years to come. The collective stress and trauma that these officers suffered is something they will likely be dealing with for years. The lack of justice and the political fallout that followed has added to their burden. This is a story of resilience, but also of lasting pain and the urgent need for support and understanding.