On the third night of the Democratic National Convention, January 6, 2021, was a central theme, as the event revisited the Capitol attack where Trump supporters disrupted the certification of the presidential election results.
The night was marked by emotional testimonies and a compelling video presentation from the Democratic National Committee, which depicted alarming footage and audio of the Capitol invasion, including assaults on police officers.
The video was interspersed with remarks from former President Trump, including his controversial promises to pardon those charged in connection with the January 6 events.
DNC revisits the January 6 Capitol attack with emotional testimonies and video footage
Among those sharing their experiences were Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), chair of the congressional committee investigating the attack; retired Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell; and former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan.
Rep. Thompson reflected on the purpose of the day, drawing from his commitment to protecting voting rights despite the violence and intimidation witnessed on January 6. “My father never had the chance to vote due to Jim Crow laws, which is why I have devoted my career to safeguarding the electoral process from such threats,” Thompson said. “Witnessing the insurrectionists’ attempts to undermine our democratic process was deeply disheartening. They sought to disenfranchise millions of Americans.”
Sergeant Gonell, who was on the front lines during the attack, recounted the brutal conditions faced by officers, describing how they were “beaten and blinded” and accusing Trump of a profound betrayal. “I swore an oath to defend the Constitution when I joined the Army and the Capitol Police,” Gonell said, his words met with applause. “I did so with unwavering commitment, and I challenge Donald Trump to explain why he hasn’t upheld his own oath.”
Gonell was one of many witnesses who testified before the House select committee investigating the events. Trump currently faces scrutiny in four separate investigations, two of which are centered on his and his allies’ attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
