Aquilino Gonell, a former Capitol Police officer who was nearly crushed during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot, is deeply disturbed by Republicans welcoming Donald Trump back to the Capitol. Gonell, an Iraq War veteran and Dominican American, still carries shards from the tunnel entrance of the Capitol where he was attacked, serving as a stark reminder of that violent day.

In an interview with MSNBC’s “The ReidOut,” Gonell expressed his frustration that House Speaker Mike Johnson hosted Trump, who incited the mob that nearly killed him and other officers. Gonell, who retired in December 2022 due to his injuries, emphasized that Republicans owe their safety to the actions of law enforcement on Jan. 6, not to Trump.

Trump’s recent visit to the Capitol on June 13 was met with applause, even from lawmakers who had previously condemned him. This reunion, which included an early birthday celebration for Trump, disregarded the violence and deaths from the Capitol attack. Gonell and his fellow officers felt “sick” seeing senators welcome Trump, likening it to an “abusive relationship.”

Gonell, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in the Dominican Republic, testified in 2021 before the House committee investigating the attack. He recounted the harrowing moments when he was nearly crushed by rioters, fearing for his life. In his memoir, “American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy,” Gonell contrasts his dedication to the U.S. with the events of Jan. 6, highlighting his journey from a poor household to a Capitol Police sergeant.

Gonell’s pinned post on X (formerly Twitter) features photos documenting the attack on him. In his MSNBC interview, he expressed dismay that the party that sent him to fight for democracy in Iraq now supports someone with authoritarian aspirations. “That should be striking and you should fear that because nothing good will come out of that,” Gonell warned.