Jan 6th Capitol Police Officer Speaks Out

On January 6, 2021, a day that will forever be etched in our nation’s history, former Capitol Hill Police Officer Winston Pingeon shared his harrowing experiences during the Capitol riot. In a recent interview, Pingeon recounted the terrifying moments when rioters stormed the Capitol, attempting to disrupt the certification of the Electoral College results.

“It was a moment where I thought, ‘I might die right here on the steps of the U.S. Capitol,’” Pingeon reflected, recalling the chaos and violence he faced that day. As he and his colleagues responded to the situation, they made their way to the west front of the Capitol, which became a focal point of intense violence against law enforcement.

In his account, Pingeon described the urgency and desperation felt by officers on the ground. “I could hear radio calls, with officers shouting for help. A line had been breached,” he explained. This panic served as a crucial indicator that the event had escalated far beyond a typical protest. Pingeon highlighted the camaraderie and resolve among officers during those tense moments, stating, “It seemed like everybody was on the same page,” underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Despite serving an additional nine months after the incident, Pingeon decided to leave the force, unable to reconcile the subsequent narrative that downplayed the severity of the violence. “It was really difficult to see how quickly the narrative shifted,” he lamented.

Reports indicate that around 140 officers were injured during the riot, and tragically, four who responded to the breach have since died by suicide. In the aftermath, some voices within conservative circles, including former President Trump, have sought to reframe the events of that day, characterizing the rioters as victims rather than acknowledging the true nature of the violence.

This shift in narrative, coupled with new revelations from special counsel Jack Smith regarding Trump’s actions post-election, raises serious concerns about accountability and the preservation of truth in our political discourse. As we reflect on these events, it’s essential for us as Republicans to stand firm against the erosion of our values and uphold the principles of law and order that our nation was built upon.