On Wednesday, several Republican legislators in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives booed two law enforcement officials who defended the United States Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack.
Following the introduction of retired US Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and former Sgt. Aquilino Gonell during the session, several lawmakers reported on the social media site X that they witnessed GOP members booing and leaving the room.
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When several Republicans walked out, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D) referred to the two officers as “heroes” during her introduction, according to The Washington Post.
“Today, we welcomed two American heroes, Officer Harry Dunn (@libradunn) and Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, to the Pennsylvania Capitol.” “A number of House Republicans literally booed, hissed, and walked off the floor—there is no bottom,” wrote state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D) on X.
Gonell replied to her on X, stating, “Great meeting you” and “acknowledging what we went through.”
“The @PAHouseGOP, like many politicians I helped protect and defend at the US Capitol, has abandoned the truth and sided with those who attacked us, the police, while claiming to support the police and the rule of law. “I’m not buying your bridges,” Gonell stated in a separate post on X.
State Representative Emily Kinkead (D) stated that she was “dumbfounded” when some Republicans “disrespected these brave men by exiting the chamber during their recognition.”
State Representative Arvind Venkat (D) added that some Republicans “walked out on these heroes.” In an interview with The Washington Post, Venkat stated that eight to ten of his Republican colleagues had walked out.
In an emailed letter to The Hill, Republican Leader Bryan Cutler highlighted that he had spoken with both officers.
“I was on the House Floor yesterday and spoke with both of the former officers from the Speaker’s rostrum,” he stated. “I and other members of our caucus also had photos taken with the former officers.”
He also chastised the Pennsylvania House Democrats for utilizing the situation with the two officers to garner funds for their campaigns. His office provided The Hill with a screenshot of what looked to be a fundraising email received by Pennsylvania House Democrats asking for money after several Republicans walked out.
“Unfortunately, they have used House processes to antagonize members and incite division and dissension for political and campaign goals. This is something that continues to upset our members and undermines the legitimacy of the Democratic majority’s actions,” Cutler stated.
In recent weeks, Dunn and Gonell have been campaigning for President Biden. The duo will campaign in swing states including as Nevada, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and New Hampshire.
