Three police officers who bravely defended the U.S. Capitol during the deadly riot on January 6, 2021, have been enlisted by the Biden campaign to campaign for President Joe Biden in key battleground states ahead of next month’s debate with former President Donald Trump. This announcement was made on Tuesday.
Former Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, who was injured in the attack, U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, a 15-year veteran, and D.C. police officer Danny Hodges, who testified before the House Jan. 6 Committee, will launch a campaign in Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Their goal is to caution voters about the potential consequences of a second term for Trump in the White House, stated the campaign.
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According to a statement released by the campaign, Dunn expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s relentless pursuit of power and vengeance, emphasizing that it poses a significant threat to our democracy. He highlighted Trump’s endorsement of political violence and alarming statements, such as his prediction of a potential “bloodbath” if he doesn’t win and his promise to act as a dictator from “day one” and grant pardons to those involved in the January 6th riots.
During a speech in Michigan, Trump made a comment about a potential “bloodbath” if he is not elected, referring to the potential loss of U.S. auto manufacturing jobs to foreign countries. The Biden campaign interpreted this as a call for political violence, while the Trump campaign clarified that it was meant to describe an economic crisis.
During his campaign speeches, Trump addressed the accusations of being a dictator by stating that he would only act as a “dictator on day one” of a potential second term. He emphasized his plans to close the border and increase drilling activities, but clarified that he would not exhibit dictatorial behavior beyond that.
On Tuesday, Dunn, along with former D.C. Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone, who endured a heart attack and brain injury during the Capitol riot, and actor Robert DeNiro, held a press conference outside the New York courthouse. Reporters had assembled there for the closing arguments in Trump’s hush money trial.
“We didn’t stop fighting on January 6th when we went home. The fight is still ongoing,” Dunn expressed to reporters.
According to Dunn, the events of that day amounted to an effort to disrupt and overthrow an election. He believes that Donald Trump poses a significant danger to our democracy and the well-being of communities nationwide. Dunn further asserts that Trump has not only condoned but also continues to endorse acts of political violence.
According to an analysis conducted by the Justice Department, over 1,200 individuals have been charged with crimes in connection to the January 6 Capitol attack. The department revealed that these charges have been filed against more than 1,265 defendants, spanning across almost every state in the country and the District of Columbia. This highlights the extensive legal action taken against those involved in the incident, three years after it took place.
Robert DeNiro explained to reporters that he felt compelled to participate in the new Biden-Harris advertisement. The ad effectively highlights the aggressive nature of Trump and serves as a reminder that he is willing to resort to violence to protect his own self-interests. DeNiro’s involvement in the ad aims to shed light on Trump’s megalomania and greed.
On Tuesday, the Trump campaign issued its own statement to the press gathered at the courthouse.
“This is absolutely disgraceful,” exclaimed Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, expressing her frustration. “President Trump has been confined within the confines of that courtroom for a staggering six weeks.”
“They’re mocking the entire political process,” stated Steven Cheung, spokesperson for the Trump campaign. He further emphasized that President Trump will firmly counter these accusations and will not be deterred in his pursuit of truth.”
