Staff Sgt. Aquilino Gonell: I had to fight for my life on January 6th

 

My name is Aquilino Gonell. I served this country for half of my life, first in the Army and then as a United States Capitol Police Sergeant.

And I had to fight for my life at the Capitol on January 6th while it was under attack from insurrectionists inspired by people like Kari Lake.

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 Kari Lake has used lies and conspiracies around January 6th to elevate her candidacy and build credibility with the far-right and Trump’s MAGA supporters.

That’s why I am personally writing to ask for your help, to send a message that we cannot allow insurrectionist-cheerleaders to get into the United States Senate.

Kari Lake has insinuated that the insurrection at the Capitol was a “false flag” set up by the FBI.

I was there. You saw it happen. These were not FBI agents. They were Trump fanatics, and they were ready to storm the Capitol on his orders. More than 1100 of them have been charged with crimes like assault and seditious conspiracy.

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.

These attacks were inspired by lies told by far-right leaders like Kari Lake. Dozens of officers were seriously injured. People died.

I am going to do everything I can to help elect my friend Ruben Gallego, who also showed extraordinary courage that day. So, I am humbly asking:

Can you contribute to Ruben Gallego’s campaign for Senate today? Use this link to give whatever you can afford to make sure he defeats Kari Lake.

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Thank you very much,

Aquilino Gonell

 

Paid For By Gallego for Arizona

Use of military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform do not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.