I almost died defending the Capitol on January 6th

My name is Aquilino Gonell, former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant, and on January 6, 2021 I almost died defending the Capitol from insurrectionists inspired by far-right leaders like Sheriff Mark Lamb.

Last month, Mark Lamb declared his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in Arizona against my friend Ruben Gallego.

I am writing because inciting, cheering, and making excuses for an attack on our democracy should not be a prerequisite or credential to be in Congress or any position of trusted authority.

But that is part of Mark Lamb’s claim to fame. It’s why he can credibly run for U.S. Senate against Ruben.

So I am personally writing to ask for your help. To help elect Ruben. To help send a message that we cannot allow insurrectionist-cheerleaders to get into the United States Senate. 

Mark Lamb says the insurrections were “very loving, Christian people.”

I can assure you they were not spreading the word of God as they cursed at law enforcement officers and assaulted us with multiple weapons. I wonder how Christian and loving the invading rioters were as they threatened to shoot me, and said that I, an Army veteran and police officer, should be executed.

I wonder how Christian and loving they were as the attackers pulled me in every direction by my leg and my shield.

But Mark Lamb doesn’t even have the courage to stand up for law enforcement officers injured or killed on duty that day. When asked about us, he said he wasn’t there and couldn’t say what was true or not.

I am going to do everything I can to help elect my friend Ruben Gallego — who also showed extraordinary courage that day. 

Thank you very much,

Aquilino Gonell

 

Paid For By Gallego for Arizona