The mob attack on the US Capitol on January 6 was like a "medieval battle", police officers said in harrowing testimony to Congress.

At the opening of a Senate committee investigation into the events of that day, four police officers who were on duty gave evidence.

One of the officers, Aquilino Gonell, broke down as he told how he thought he was going to die.

He said: "What we were subjected to that day was like something from a medieval battlefield. We fought hand-to-hand and inch-by-inch to prevent an invasion of the Capitol by a violent mob intent on subverting our democratic process.

"The physical violence we experienced was horrific and devastating. I was accused of choosing my pay cheque. The rioters called me traitor.

"They shouted that I, an army veteran and police officer, should be executed. We'll get our guns, we out-number you, join us, they said.

"I was particularly shocked at seeing insurrectionists attack us with the very American flag they claimed they sought to protect."

He added: "It was a prolonged and desperate struggle. The rioters were shouting 'Trump sent us. Pick the right side. We want Trump'.

"There was an officer screaming in agony an arms length from me. I was being crushed. I could feel myself losing oxygen. I recall thinking to myself this is how I'm going to die defending this entrance."

The officer wiped away tears as he told how his family had been desperately trying to call him.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2021/07/27/us-capitol-riot-like-medieval-battle-police-officers-tell-congress/
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