In a tense and highly divisive event, former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and former Sgt. Aquilino Gonell faced boos and walkouts from some GOP state lawmakers during an event held to honor their bravery and sacrifice on January 6th.

The ceremony, which took place in the Pennsylvania House on Thursday, aimed to recognize the injuries and trauma suffered by Dunn, Gonell, and countless other officers during the insurrection at the Capitol. However, instead of receiving unanimous praise, the two men were met with hostility and criticism.

House Speaker Joanna McClinton introduced the officers, highlighting their efforts to raise awareness of threats to democracy. However, several House Republicans responded with boos, leaving many shocked by the lack of unity and respect. The disruptive behavior even prompted two Republican House members to leave the proceedings.

Witnesses, both Democrats and Republicans, confirmed the presence of shouting and booing towards the officers. The display of disrespect occurred in the midst of Dunn and Gonell's introduction, marking a highly unusual and unsettling turn of events.

The January 6th attack, orchestrated by supporters of former President Donald Trump, left hundreds of law enforcement officers battered and bloodied. Gonell opened up about his own experiences, recounting the relentless assault he endured. He was repeatedly beaten, punched, and kicked, and even attacked with his own baton. Gonell shared how someone attempted to drag him into the mob, using an American flag attached to a flagpole to abuse him. His injuries were severe enough to require two surgeries.

Addressing the audience, Gonell voiced his dismay over former President Trump's use of favorable terms such as "patriots" and "political prisoners" to describe the individuals who attacked him and desecrated the Capitol. He questioned the implications of such labels and emphasized that on January 6th, officers defended elected officials from both parties, regardless of political ideology.

Dunn, who is Black, also detailed the racial slurs and verbal abuse he encountered during the insurrection, a stark contrast to his experiences over his many years of service. His account shed light on the hate and racism that officers faced while defending the Capitol.

The incident during the Pennsylvania House event highlights the ongoing divisions and tensions surrounding the events of January 6th. Calls for unity and support for law enforcement are often overshadowed by partisan attitudes and differing interpretations of the events that transpired that day. It serves as a reminder of the challenging healing process ahead for the Capitol Police and the nation as a whole.