Contributor

Aquilino Gonell

Guest Writer

Growing up on his grandparents farm in the Dominican Republic, Aquilino Gonell moved to New York in 1992 at age 12. He enlisted in the army at 20, became a decorated Iraq War veteran and proud American citizen, and the first in his family to graduate college. At the Capitol Police force, he rose to the rank of sergeant. Wounded on the front lines on January 6, he was one of the first officers to testify before the House Select Committee investigating the insurrection. He's a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Citizens Medal given to him by President Joe Biden. This is adapted from "American Shield," out in November from Counterpoint Books.

November 11, 2023

I Defended The Capitol On January 6. Now I'm Calling Out The Very Lawmakers I Was There To Protect.

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