During a Feb. 23 Senate hearing where security officials testified for the first time about the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Capitol Police Capt. Carneysha Mendoza recounted her experiences responding to the violent riots.
Mendoza shared how officers were exposed to military-grade gas and fire extinguisher spray inside the Capitol. She said she sustained chemical burns to her face and her colleagues were hit with various items thrown by rioters.
“As an American and as an Army veteran, it’s sad to see us attacked by our fellow citizens,” Mendoza said. “I’m sad to see the unnecessary loss of life. I’m sad to see the impact this has had on Capitol Police officers. And I’m sad to see the impact this has had on our agency and on our country.”
Five people died from the Capitol riot, including Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick. On Feb. 13, former President Donald Trump was acquitted of inciting insurrection in his second impeachment trial.
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