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Former law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol on January 6, 2021, grappled with mixed emotions following Donald Trump's decisive victory over Kamala Harris on Tuesday, regaining the presidency in a second nonconsecutive term. Among them was Aquilino Gonell, a former Capitol Police sergeant, who felt this election signified a disturbing acceptance of the Capitol riots by the American public. "They have put Donald Trump above the law," Gonell remarked, perceiving the election results as a collective absolution of the violent events of January 6. "He betrayed us. And the vast majority of the American people think that's OK."

Gonell, along with other officers like former Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone, has spent the last four years voicing their harrowing experiences to the public. Despite their vigorous efforts to highlight the chaos and violence of that day, many feel their testimonies have been marginalized. “It feels like America said, 'F- you, Mike Fanone. We don't care about Jan. 6,’” Fanone confessed, reflecting on the apparent indifference to the suffering endured by officers during the attack.

Fanone, who suffered grievous injuries during the riot, including a heart attack and a traumatic brain injury, has faced relentless harassment since. The election results have cast a shadow over his daily life, reigniting fears of political retribution and further threats to his family's safety. "I was looking forward to not having to look over my shoulder," Fanone shared. "And now it's like, you know something really bad is going to happen. It's exhausting."

The election holds broader implications beyond personal grievances. The Department of Justice is now expected to curtail its criminal investigations against Trump, including the high-profile case linked to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Gonell lamented, "Nobody seems to be willing to hold Donald Trump accountable in any way," underlining his concern that many Americans appear to have forgotten the gravity of the January 6 insurrection.

Adding salt to the wound, Trump has vowed to pardon those convicted for their roles in the Capitol attack. His commitment to such a course of action was met with dismay by Gonell and other officers who put their lives at risk defending the Capitol. Gonell, who sustained injuries necessitating multiple surgeries and ending his career, expressed his anguish, "Why the f- did I risk my life on Jan. 6 to defend our elected officials, our government, from the mob that this person sent to the Capitol, only for him to be returned to power?"

Despite the physical and psychological toll, both Gonell and Fanone remain resolute in their advocacy. Gonell explained his stance, "I don't hate Donald Trump. I don't hate his supporters. I hate what he did, or what he didn't do, to help us when we were at the Capitol that day." Both men continue their involvement with Courage for America, an organization opposing what they see as an extremist agenda, as they navigate the personal and public aftermath of Trump's return to power.