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New Jan 6 Footage Suggests Capitol Police Officer Lied About ‘Life-Threatening’ Injuries

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2 years ago

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New surveillance footage obtained by the Epoch Times that shows paramedics and Capitol Police officers attempting to revive Trump supporter Rosanne Boyland — one of four protesters who died that day — appears to dispel claims about serious and “life-threatening injuries” sustained by a Capitol Police officer. The officer later served as a key witness for the House January 6 Committee.

Aquilino Gonell testified under oath and in federal court that he suffered “life-threatening” injuries as a result of the January 6 Capitol protests. In a victim impact statement made in court in May, Gonell told the judge that he was “bleeding from both hands, [had] a maimed foot, hit on the head, sprayed with pepper and bear spray, beaten, punched, pushed, pulled, and assaulted by many other rioters as they try to gain entrance.”

“This is how I’m going to die,” Gonell told the January 6 Committee when recalling the day’s events.

In a tearful interview with CBS News, the key committee witness stated that he needed two surgeries to recover from injuries sustained that day. He also claimed that he rendered life-saving aid to Rosanne Boyland inside the Capitol Building.

Independent reporter Julie Kelly has pointed out that the recently released footage discredits Gonell’s claims, however. “Here he is for several minutes near the body of Rosanne Boyland at around 4:50 on Jan 6, after the protest and violence ended. His hands show no sign of injury. Nor does his shoulder, as he takes off gear,” Kelly wrote while pointing to the footage. “His feet seem fine–he is seen kicking items out of the area. And his head, which had been protected by a riot helmet, shows no sign of injury, either.”

“Not only did Gonell lie to Congress and federal judges in “victim impact” statements, he has repeatedly lied during media interviews and on social media about his experience,” Kelly added.

Gonell had been on leave for nine months at the time of the CBS interview. Despite walking around completely fine in the surveillance footage, the Capitol Police officer displayed “evidence” that his foot was “crushed” during clashes with protesters.

“I’m working through physical therapy. I had two surgeries already,” he said.

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