Sgt. Aquilino Gonell of the United States Capitol Police, who was injured in the Capitol disturbance on January 6, expressed his intention to resign this week in a letter.
Gonell informed Police Chief J. Thomas Manger in a letter on Friday that he would be leaving on Saturday.
“It is with immense sadness that I announce my formal separation from the Department effective December 17, 2022, to continue to focus on healing, both physically and mentally, from injuries I sustained in the line of duty on January 6, 2021, “Gonell wrote.
“After speaking with my orthopaedic doctor, my mental health providers, and my family, I think it’s in my best interest to take time off away from the daily reminders that keep re-triggering my trauma,” he continued.
On January 6, 2021, Gonell was hurt in his hands, left shoulder, left leg, and right foot while attempting to protect the Capitol.
Six months after the riot, Gonell testified before a House committee on Jan. 6 about the violence he observed, saying demonstrators labeled him a traitor and a shame and demanded that he be executed.
Gonell testified at the trial of Kyle Fitzsimons, who was convicted of assaulting him during the insurgency, during the summer.
“Although my goal has been to return to full and unrestricted duty, my medical conditions are permanent,” Gonell stated in his letter. “Having to return to the scene of the crime almost every day has become taxing, unbearable and not conducive to healing.”
During a committee hearing on January 6, this year, Gonell announced his desire to leave the agency. He had previously taken medical and administrative leave following the attack.
Numerous police officers were injured on Jan. 6 which lasted far beyond the Capitol attack. Former Washington Police Officer Mike Fanone, who also testified about the violence, had a heart attack and traumatic brain injury.
Relatives of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died a day after the incident, refused to shake hands with Republican leaders in Congress last week at a ceremony honouring cops who defended the building.
