Statement from NAPO President Mick McHale in Support of the Officers Who Responded to the Violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021
July 28, 2021
Statement from NAPO President Mick McHale in Support of the Officers Who Responded to the Violence at the
U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021
Alexandria, VA – On behalf of the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), I want to recognize the dedication and service of the U.S. Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police Department and the other state, local and federal law enforcement agencies who responded to the riot and violence at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. We stand with Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell and Officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Officers Michael Fanone and Daniel Hodges who stood up and spoke out on behalf of their fellow officers who were outnumbered, insufficiently equipped and subjected to violence as they did their duty to protect the U.S. Capitol and those working within it.
We recognize and acknowledge that there are great political divides in our nation. As law enforcement officers, the first law we are sworn to uphold is the Constitution of the United States. And we strive to protect all the rights contained therein, including First Amendment rights. At the same time, mass protests regarding controversial issues present an extremely volatile situation, and deliberate and provocative acts can swiftly turn what was a relatively peaceful assembly into a dangerous and violent mob. These officers of the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department put their own safety at risk and did their duty to protect the U.S. Capitol regardless of politics. It was what they are sworn to do: serve and protect. They served with valor and integrity, and continue to do so, and must be recognized for their service to their country.
These officers will never forget what they heard, saw, and experienced on January 6. Yet they still put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve our elected officials and the citizens of the District of Columbia. We must recognize the stress and strain that such an experience has on officers and their families and give them the support and resources they need to address their emotional and mental wellbeing.
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The National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) is a coalition of police units and associations from across the United States that serves to advance the interests of America’s law enforcement officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action, and education. Founded in 1978, NAPO now represents more than 1,000 police units and associations, and 241,000 sworn law enforcement officers.