WASHINGTON (AP) — An exclusive excerpt from “Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th” by Mary Clare Jalonick reveals harrowing accounts of those present on January 6, 2021. The chaos erupted as rioters loyal to President Donald Trump swarmed the U.S. Capitol, fueled by false claims of a stolen election. While lawmakers sought safety, law enforcement fought desperately to protect the building at the center of American democracy.
Around 4 p.m., rioters had breached multiple entrances and were advancing toward the Capitol’s main doors. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was heavily engaged, predicting violence the night before. His brother, Ken, watched the clashes unfold live, unaware of the imminent tragedy.
Heavy fighting centered around the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, where police officers formed a desperate line against an overwhelming mob. Officers described the brutal confrontations, recounting moments of hand-to-hand combat and the physical toll it took on their bodies as they fought to keep the Capitol secure.
“Many officers were injured and fatigued but continued to hold the line,” said Officer Michael Fanone of the Metropolitan Police Department, noting the continuous onslaught they faced.
As chaos intensified, officers like Detective Phuson Nguyen and Sergeant Aquilino Gonell shared disturbing accounts of being physically overrun by the rioters, struggling for breath, and fearing for their lives. They described the feeling of impending doom, envisioning their families as they fought for their lives against an angry mob.
Despite overwhelming odds, some officers managed to pull through and regroup amidst the mayhem. Officer Fanone recounted the life-threatening moment when he was nearly pulled from his brethren, but he managed to call out for help, reminding his assailants about his children. His plea struck a chord, prompting some rioters to intervene and de-escalate the situation enough for fellow officers to rescue him.
However, the day ended tragically for Officer Sicknick, who collapsed later that night after enduring the violent clashes, demonstrating the unseen toll that these events took on each officer involved. Sicknick's bravery, alongside the many others who fought that day, underscores a critical moment in American history that shaped the future of democracy.
This vivid retelling serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement to uphold truth and security during an unprecedented attack.
Around 4 p.m., rioters had breached multiple entrances and were advancing toward the Capitol’s main doors. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick was heavily engaged, predicting violence the night before. His brother, Ken, watched the clashes unfold live, unaware of the imminent tragedy.
Heavy fighting centered around the Lower West Terrace Tunnel, where police officers formed a desperate line against an overwhelming mob. Officers described the brutal confrontations, recounting moments of hand-to-hand combat and the physical toll it took on their bodies as they fought to keep the Capitol secure.
“Many officers were injured and fatigued but continued to hold the line,” said Officer Michael Fanone of the Metropolitan Police Department, noting the continuous onslaught they faced.
As chaos intensified, officers like Detective Phuson Nguyen and Sergeant Aquilino Gonell shared disturbing accounts of being physically overrun by the rioters, struggling for breath, and fearing for their lives. They described the feeling of impending doom, envisioning their families as they fought for their lives against an angry mob.
Despite overwhelming odds, some officers managed to pull through and regroup amidst the mayhem. Officer Fanone recounted the life-threatening moment when he was nearly pulled from his brethren, but he managed to call out for help, reminding his assailants about his children. His plea struck a chord, prompting some rioters to intervene and de-escalate the situation enough for fellow officers to rescue him.
However, the day ended tragically for Officer Sicknick, who collapsed later that night after enduring the violent clashes, demonstrating the unseen toll that these events took on each officer involved. Sicknick's bravery, alongside the many others who fought that day, underscores a critical moment in American history that shaped the future of democracy.
This vivid retelling serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement to uphold truth and security during an unprecedented attack.
