The Role of Trump in the January 6 Attack: A Betrayal of Law Enforcement

A grim chapter in American history was written on January 6, 2021, when supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the United States Capitol. More than 140 officers were injured during the violent confrontations between the demonstrators and law enforcement, many of whom were dressed in Trump-branded attire. As this pandemonium unfurled, Trump maintained his composure, which fueled suspicions that his rhetoric had incited the violence. The discrepancy between Trump's assertions of advocating for law and order and his actions on that fateful day has become increasingly apparent as he prepares to assume office once more, four years later.

According to Special Counsel Jack Smith, Trump's involvement in the Capitol attack was anything but passive. In an effort to obstruct the certification of Joe Biden's election victory, the report indicates that the former president made an active effort to "direct an angry mob to the United States Capitol." The law enforcement officers who were defending the Capitol were violently assaulted by the protesters, who were emboldened by Trump's rhetoric. One officer described the scene as a "non-stop barrage" of violence, with the air filled with cries, pepper spray, and weapons. Flagpoles, metal shafts, and even their own riot gear were used to target the officers, many of whom were in terror for their lives. Some individuals experienced physical trauma, while others endured psychological wounds, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and, tragically, suicide, in the months that followed.

Trump portrayed himself as the champion of law and order during his re-election campaign, despite the assaults on police officers by his own supporters. His rhetoric, which echoed previous Republican strategies, was designed to portray the nation as afflicted by anarchy and criminality, while simultaneously positioning him as the remedy for disorder. The narrative resonated with voters who were feeling agitated by the increasing crime and social unrest. Nevertheless, it is imperative to bear in mind that the violence directed at law enforcement on January 6 was directly correlated with Trump's actions. The men and women in uniform who fought to safeguard the Capitol that day were his own supporters, motivated by his words and convictions.

One of the most severe assaults on law enforcement in recent history was the attack on the Capitol. While attempting to maintain order amid the pandemonium, officers such as Michael Fanone and Aquilino Gonell sustained life-threatening injuries. Fanone, in particular, was subjected to a severe beating, resulting in a contusion and a heart attack. Gonell sustained an injury from his own shield after being assaulted by more than 40 protesters. As Trump remained largely detached from the events unfolding, these officers, along with many others, were subjected to a vicious onslaught for hours.

Trump has persisted in his portrayal as the protector of law enforcement, despite the gravity of the attack. In the months that followed the rioting, he garnered attention by publicly endorsing certain convicted rioters, referring to them as "hostages," and even promising to grant them clemency if he were re-elected. His statements were met with widespread criticism, particularly in light of the fact that a number of the demonstrators, including members of the "J6 Prison Choir," had directly assaulted police officers. Julian Khater, one of the members, entered a plea of guilty to assaulting officers with a chemical spray. Shane Jenkins, another member, was found guilty of hurling improvised weapons at law enforcement.

Trump's campaign speeches, in which he characterizes January 6 as "a day of love," are indicative of his efforts to alter the narrative surrounding the date. However, the events of January 6 continue to be a traumatic memory for the police officers who were present. Numerous individuals continue to endure the enduring emotional and physical trauma of that day, with a few even taking their own lives. As Officer Aquilino Gonell poignantly inquired last spring, "Please explain once more how you support the police and law and order in the face of these occurrences."

The actuality of Trump's role in one of the most violent days for law enforcement in modern American history is starkly contrasted with his ongoing rhetoric about "law and order." Americans must bear in mind the role he played in instigating an attack on the very officers sworn to protect the Constitution as he pledges to "defend the Constitution" in his second term. The truth should never be forgotten: The violence and suffering of the courageous men and women who stood on the front lines that day were the result of Trump's pursuit of power.