Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb on Tuesday condemned Rep. Don Bacon and other Republicans for their continued support of former President Donald Trump as lawmakers heard testimony on the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.
“It was both horrifying and heartbreaking to hear Capitol police officers testify about the violent Trump supporters who attempted to overthrow the government,” Kleeb said. “Bacon and all the other Trump enablers are guilty of betraying their fellow citizens. One of the officers rightfully called the violent Trump supporters terrorists. Nebraskans expect Bacon and our entire Congressional delegation to do more to protect Capitol police and more broadly, our democracy.”
Aquilino Gonell, a Capitol Police sergeant and Iraq war veteran who was nearly crushed during the riot, was one of those who testified.
“I could feel myself losing oxygen and recall thinking to myself, ‘This is how I’m going to die, trampled defending this entrance,’” Gonell said.
Said Kleeb: “Some members of the GOP have glibly called the rioters ‘tourists.’ They were not. They are traitors, as are those who supported them and Trump.”
About 140 police officers were injured and five people died as supporters of Trump breached the Capitol, where Congress was meeting to count the electoral votes to formalize President Biden’s election. The rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence,” stalked the halls hunting for Speaker Nancy Pelosi and forced lawmakers to interrupt the count and evacuate their chambers.
Officer Michael Fanone was swarmed by a pro-Trump mob and dragged down the Capitol steps, suffering a mild heart attack and a concussion as he was shocked with a stun gun and beaten. He testified that he’s been frustrated to see the GOP try to whitewash the insurrection.
“I don’t think our response to what happened on Jan. 6 should have anything to do with political parties.,” he said.
