Capitol police officer injured on Jan. 6 recounts riot to crowds at DNC
Aquilino Gonell, a former U.S. Capitol police officer who retired after he was injured in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack, took the stage after a dramatic video depicting the riot played on the third night of the Democratic National Convention.
During his speech Wednesday, Gonell recalled the rioters beating him with a poll attached to an American flag. Gonell said former President Donald Trump betrayed him and other law enforcement by summoning protesters to the Capitol. He endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president after adding although he "nearly died" that day, he would do it again to protect American democracy.
The Democratic convention is taking place in Chicago until Thursday, and Harris is expected to secure the party's 2024 presidential nomination on the last day of the DNC.
More: DNC live updates: Bill Clinton takes the stage; Tim Walz to accept nomination
What to know about Aquilino Gonell
Who is he? Gonell is a Dominican-American former U.S. Army sergeant and Capitol police officer who defended the Capitol building and its occupants during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot. He resigned from the force in 2022 due to injuries he sustained during the attack.
What role does he play? As a witness to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack, Gonell can speak about his experience responding to rioters who stormed the Capitol and Trump's role in events that unfolded that day.
Key quote: "I had seen violence while serving in Iraq, but nothing, nothing prepared me for Jan. 6."
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Watch Aquilino Gonell's full DNC Convention speech here
When and where is the DNC
The Democratic National Convention will take place from August 19-22 in Chicago, Illinois.
The United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks, will be the main venue for the DNC.
Chicago has hosted the Democratic Convention 11 times, most recently in 1996 when the United Center saw President Bill Clinton nominated for a second time.
How to watch and stream the 2024 DNC
The convention will air live on its website from the United Center in Chicago between 6:15 p.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) on Monday, and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) the other days.
USA TODAY will provide livestream coverage on YouTube each night of the DNC, Monday through Thursday.
What are the themes for each night of the DNC?
The DNC announced nightly themes for the convention. The title of the convention is "For the People, For Our Future."
Here are the themes for each night:
Monday: "For the People"
Tuesday: "A Bold Vision for America's Future"
Wednesday: "A Fight for our Freedoms"
Thursday: "For our Future"
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Capitol police officer injured on Jan. 6 speaks at the DNC: Watch