Former Capitol Police officers call Trump’s vows to pardon Jan. 6 rioters ‘a betrayal’

Former Capitol Police officers present during the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection said President-elect Trump’s commitment to pardon rioters is “a betrayal.”

“It’s a betrayal, a stab in the heart,” former Sergeant Aquilino Gonell told the Washington Post.

Trump said one of his first priorities after his inauguration is to pardon those imprisoned for their role in the riot despite pushback from some lawmakers, congressional staffers and Capitol police.

“We’ve been seeking accountability for years,” Gonell said.