In brief
The excerpt from 'Storm at the Capitol' recounts the tumultuous events of January 6, 2021, where rioters attempted to breach the Capitol building amidst violent clashes with law enforcement. The accounts from police officers highlight the brutal and chaotic nature of the confrontation, the dire circumstances they faced, and the personal toll of the day's violence, culminating in the tragic death of Officer Brian Sicknick.
WASHINGTON (AP) — This is an exclusive excerpt adapted from 'Storm at the Capitol: An Oral History of January 6th' by Associated Press reporter Mary Clare Jalonick, who compiles a definitive account of the events through personal interviews, testimony, court documents, and public sources.Jalonick’s account describes how, by 4 p.m. on January 6, rioters loyal to President Donald Trump had already breached multiple entrances of the Capitol, halting the certification process for President Joe Biden's victory. Amid a chaotic scene, Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick found himself directly impacted by the violence when sprayed in the face by a rioter.As rioters persisted, numerous police officers described the harrowing conditions they faced during the violent confrontations. Sergeant Aquilino Gonell stated, 'The rioters were vicious and relentless,' reflecting on the fierce battles that ensued near the inauguration stage entrance. Multiple officers shared their experiences of hand-to-hand combat, the chaos of shouting crowds, and frantically trying to maintain control against a violent and overwhelming mob.Officer Michael Fanone recounted being dragged from his position and facing potential death at the hands of an enraged crowd, while Officer Daniel Hodges illustrated a desperate struggle to maintain control, even as injuries accumulated.As the day wore on, the violence did not relent. Officer Sicknick, after initially appearing to recover, tragically passed away later that evening. His brother, Ken Sicknick, was left grappling with the reality of that day when he texted Brian, unknowingly foreshadowing the familial tragedy that loomed.The narratives collected in Jalonick's book aim to shed light on the chaotic and deeply unsettling experience of those within the Capitol that day—a reminder of the dire consequences of political fervor and the ongoing discussions surrounding the events of January 6.
