Podcast
Morning Joe
Akelino Gunnell, a former Capitol Police Officer, discussed his book and his personal experiences on January 6th, expressing frustration with how the events have been downplayed.
Three years ago, I was doing my normal jobs. And unfortunately, that tragic day ended my career due to the injuries that I sustained, both physical and mental as well.
— Episode: Morning Joe 1/5/24
Episode: Morning Joe 1/5/24
Akelino Gunnell, a former Capitol Police Officer, discussed his book and his personal experiences on January 6th, expressing frustration with how the events have been downplayed.
Three years ago, I was doing my normal jobs. And unfortunately, that tragic day ended my career due to the injuries that I sustained, both physical and mental as well.
I have been able to overcome a lot of the adversities that came about with the physical therapy and whatnot.
It's having that separation in time away from the Capitol and not dealing with protecting the same people who are now saying that nothing happened on January 6th allowed me to heal.
I was assaulted by more than 40 people on January 6th. It's recorded, it's on video, it's on pictures.
Well, they should have thought about those things before they committed those crimes, before they assaulted me and my colleagues.
Episode: Morning Joe 12/6/23
Akelino Gunnell's book, 'American Shield', was discussed as the guest shared his experience defending the Capitol on January 6th and his journey as an immigrant serving the country.
Former U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Gunel joins us now. He's out with a new memoir titled American Shield, the immigrant sergeant who defended democracy.
So, Sergeant, on the topic of your book, American Shield, which is available now, tell us a little bit more about your long road to recovery after the injuries you suffered there on January 6th. And what you think about your own future.
And it is a great disservice to people like me and people around the country because they are clearly lying to to the American people when they say nothing happened on January 6.
The new book is entitled American Shield, the immigrant sergeant who defended democracy. What a great American story, Mika. It makes me proud to be an American.