1. Aquilino Gonell received the Congressional Gold Medal in 2022 and the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2023.
11 Facts About Aquilino Gonell
1. 2.
Aquilino Gonell is the author of American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy.
3.
Aquilino Gonell was born in 1979 or 1980 in Guayubin, Dominican Republic.
4.
Aquilino Gonell fought with at least 40 people for six hours.
5.
Aquilino Gonell said he lost enough oxygen to where he thought he was going to die.
6.
Aquilino Gonell eventually moved to a tunnel inside the Capitol, trying to prevent the mob from going upstairs.
7.
Aquilino Gonell underwent two major surgeries because of the injuries during the attack.
8.
Aquilino Gonell underwent physical and mental therapy to deal with trauma.
9.
In summer 2022, Aquilino Gonell testified in the trial of a man who assaulted him on January 6, Kyle Fitzsimons.
10.
On December 6,2022, Aquilino Gonell was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his role in defending the Capitol.
11.
On June 6,2024, when Aquilino Gonell visited the Pennsylvania State Capitol with fellow Capitol officer Harry Dunn, some Republican legislators in the building booed the officers or walked out.