This week, Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, along with other insurrectionists, attempted to confront me and my fellow Capitol Police officer, Michael Fanone. But we did not back down. We stood our ground. We fought back. And we did not let them win.
More than four years have passed since the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. That day, law enforcement officers, including myself and Fanone, put our lives on the line to protect democracy from a mob intent on overturning a free and fair election.
This latest encounter was another attempt to shake us, to erase the truth, and to assert a false narrative about what happened that day. But they failed. We will not be silenced. We will not allow those who attacked democracy to recast themselves as victims or heroes.
Donald Trump actively excused their conduct by pardoning them in January. He told Tarrio and others that their conduct, attacking us and our Capitol, was acceptable. Newsflash: it’s not. It’s wrong and it must be held accountable. These people are nothing more than thugs who want to intimidate and disrupt.
The fight for accountability and justice did not end when the last rioter left the Capitol steps. It continues in courtrooms, in public discourse, and in the halls of government. The bravery of those who defended democracy on January 6 will not be overshadowed by those who seek to undermine it.
We have faced worse, and we will continue to stand strong. Because democracy, truth, and justice are worth fighting for. Join me:
Your courage and faithfulness to the American people and the Constitution gives us all the understanding that we can stand up to bullies and push back the fascists, Nazis, and corrupt criminals among us. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for all of us.
This is a pathetic attempt at garnering media attention through performative intimidation. Nothing special. He’s just another school yard bully, crying for someone to pay attention to him. Good job handling what was clearly supposed to be a trap. 👏 whomp, whomp Enrique.