Jan 6th Officer Smears Trump
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who courageously defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack, recently expressed his deep sense of betrayal after former President Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election. Dunn’s disillusionment with the American people and the political system underscores the tension between preserving the integrity of American democracy and the political dynamics surrounding Trump’s return to power.
In an interview with CNN’s Sara Sidner, Dunn was asked whether he felt more betrayed by the American people who voted Trump back into office or by the former president and his allies who downplayed the severity of the January 6 riots. Dunn’s response highlighted a sense of resignation: “It’s a little bit of both. Donald Trump is who he says he is,” Dunn remarked. He likened Trump’s actions to those of a snake, suggesting that while one might be hurt by the snake’s bite, it’s to be expected from something that is inherently dangerous.
Dunn shared his frustration with the lack of accountability following the Capitol riots, particularly regarding the Senate’s failure to reach the two-thirds majority required to convict Trump after his impeachment. He also criticized the courts for not securing convictions in relation to the riots and the Supreme Court for granting Trump immunity in certain legal matters. Dunn believed that the American people, as the ultimate safeguard of democracy, would act in the nation’s best interest. But when the 2024 election came around, he felt many voters failed to recognize the gravity of the situation and chose to stay home.
“This election should have been a decisive moment for those who care about preserving our institutions,” Dunn said. “But it seems that so many didn’t think it mattered enough.”
Dunn’s words reflect a broader sense of disillusionment that many Americans feel about the political landscape. He believes Trump’s base remains unwavering, but he had hoped that more citizens would stand up for decency, rule of law, and democracy. Dunn has also voiced his discontent with Trump’s pledge to pardon January 6 rioters if he returns to the White House, a promise that further erodes trust in the political system.
In the wake of his loss in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District primary, Dunn has launched a political action group aimed at confronting what he calls “anti-democracy MAGA extremists.” While his congressional bid fell short, his resolve to fight for democratic principles continues to drive his new political efforts, signaling that his work in public service is far from over.
For many Republicans, Dunn’s frustrations with the state of American democracy resonate. As the nation moves forward, the question remains: how can the GOP, and America as a whole, rebuild trust in our institutions, while still holding those responsible for January 6 accountable?
