A U.S. Congressional Select Committee launched its investigation into Jan. 6 Capitol riot on Tuesday with testimony from two Capitol officers and two D.C. police officers. Each shared their horrifying stories of fighting with the pro-Trump mob. Officer Harry Dunn shared the story of how he and other Black officers were called the "n-word" as their lives were threatened. D.C. officer Michael Fanone described the footage from his body cam, which showed him being dragged by the crowd. He told the crowd how he tried to appeal to humanity by telling them that he was a father and they responded with their own guns.AdvertisementThe officers' faces were clearly visible after the attack. Aquilino, a Capitol police sergeant, recalled the pain he felt fighting against the mob. D.C. officer Daniel Hodges' agonizing screams while being crushed between the mob & an entrance to Capitol became a poignant symbol of the day. One rioter told him that he would die on his knees.AdvertisementAdvertisementIt was a persuasive and politically effective way to start the hearings. It was also fragmented. Although these officers were undoubtedly victims of the medieval war against the Trump mob and survived, the first day's testimony felt at times frustratingly calculated. Many of the officers who were present at the insurrection did not do anything or, worse, cheered on the mob. One officer was taking selfies while holding the door open for rioters. After video of another officer wearing a MAGA cap and leaving the Capitol, several people applauded him. Acting Chief Yogananda Pittman, Capitol police, announced that 35 Capitol officers had been initially under investigation. Many were later suspended. These investigations are ongoing.AdvertisementOn Jan. 6, I witnessed the chaos and documented it myself. Two brave Capitol officers attempted to secure a door by themselves, but were overwhelmed by dozens upon dozens of rioters. Inside, I saw other officers watching calmly as the rioters invaded the halls. As they watched, alarms were blaring at the entranceways. While I saw some fighting between Capitol police and rioters, I also witnessed officers speaking calmly and giving directions to rioters.It is impossible to judge what could have been a life-or death situation for many officers. It seemed like many of them had decided the Capitol wasn't worth dying for, despite being outnumbered and poorly equipped. Similar mobs have been seen before and I know how fast they can consume you. Many officers were more than just able to stay out of harm's way. Democrats understand that highlighting brave officers against rioters is politically important. However, hearings should also examine the actions of other officers who were collaborating with the same mob. It should focus on the related failures that allowed the riots to continue for so long. Their chief was unable to stop officers being overrun and he resigned immediately. Many officers were without equipment as threat assessments had been ignored. We should know the reasons and what it meant for the officers who were, in fact, less of a force against the riot that the ultimate participants. One Black officer was present at the hearing and called out his colleagues for their assistance in dealing with the rioters. He also questioned whether the officers would have been as gentle if the rioters had been Black. However, another officer stated that the department would have treated Black Lives Matter protestors in the same manner. This was not challenged.The bulk of fact-finding work for the select committee is still ahead of it. It's early. It is early.
