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(CNN) -
Four police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6 made it clear Tuesday that they are still dealing with the physical and mental trauma of the attack, and were visibly upset at times describing those injuries. persistent during a hearing before the select committee of the House of Representatives investigating the events of that day.
The four officers who testified - Washington City Metropolitan Police officers Daniel Hodges and Michael Fanone, plus Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and Sergeant Aquilino Gonell - had already publicly shared their stories, which include accounts of being beaten with a flag pole, being subjected to racist insults, being smashed against a door and electrocuted by rioters.
Watch the unreleased videos of the assault on Capitol 3:21
During Tuesday's hearing, witnesses re-detailed their experiences on January 6, underscoring that many police officers continue to deal with the emotional and physical aftermath of that day, a painful reality that, according to them, is exacerbated by those who have tried to make up. acts of violence.
Highlighting the importance of police officers' continued physical and mental attention was a priority for Dunn and Gonell, in particular, ahead of Tuesday's hearing, according to a source familiar with their preparations before the hearing, which he noted was reflected in their testimony.
"More than six months later, January 6 is still not over for me," said Dunn, a black agent who endured racist attacks from assailants during the attack.
"I know that many other officers continue to suffer, both physically and emotionally."
Video of police beatings on January 6 at the Capitol 0:30
Dunn added that he has sought counseling "because of the persistent emotional trauma of that day" and implored his colleagues to do the same if they need it.
"I want to take this moment to talk with my colleagues about the emotions they continue to experience from the events of January 6. There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking professional help," he said.
"What we all went through that day was traumatic, and if you are suffering, please take advantage of the counseling services that are available to us."
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Gonell was visibly upset during his statement.
When he got home at almost 4 a.m. on Jan. 7, Gonell said, he was unable to hug his wife because of all the chemicals in her uniform.
He returned to work that morning, and worked for 15 consecutive days to continue defending the Capitol.
He stated that he is still recovering from his injuries.
"We are not asking for medals, or recognition; we just want justice and accountability," Gonell said.
"For most people, January 6 happened for a few hours. But for those of us who were in the thick of it, it is not over. That day is still a constant trauma for us, literally every day."
Judge rebukes the Republican Party for downplaying the Capitol riots by passing the first sentence for the insurrection
Fanone, whose body camera footage shows him being dragged into the crowd, hit with a flag pole and repeatedly shocked with his own stun gun on January 6, also testified about how he continues to struggle with the psychological trauma of the attack.
"As my physical injuries subsided and the adrenaline that accompanied me for weeks waned, I have been left with the psychological trauma and emotional anxiety of having survived such a horrible event. And my children continue to deal with the trauma of having been there. about to lose his father that day, "he said.
After being pulled out of the sea of protesters, Fanone was taken to hospital and told by a doctor that he had suffered a heart attack.
"And later I was diagnosed with a concussion, a head injury and a post-traumatic stress disorder," said the officer.
It hurts that they deny the insurrection of the Capitol, says police 1:02
"It is an important part of the record for this committee's investigation and for the country to understand how I was assaulted and nearly killed as crowds attacked the Capitol that day," Fanone added.
Some Republican lawmakers and former President Donald Trump have tried to downplay the violence that took place on January 6.
But the four officers who testified Tuesday said any claim that the attack was not an armed insurrection is far from reality.
Republican Representative Liz Cheney of Wyoming, one of only two Republican members of the panel, specifically asked Gonell about Trump's comments characterizing those who stormed the Capitol as a "loving crowd."
"It's outrageous. It's a pathetic excuse for his behavior for something he helped create. I'm still reeling from the hugs and kisses that day," he responded, referring to Trump's unfounded claim that rioters were showing affection towards law enforcement that day instead of violently confronting officers.
Fanone shared Gonell's feeling of frustration, telling the panel that those who deny what happened that day "betray the oath of office."
"I feel like I've gone to hell and back to protect them and the people in this room, but far too many are telling me now that hell doesn't exist, or that hell really wasn't that bad. colleagues is disgraceful, "said Fanone, pounding on the table.
The four agents also agreed that the only way for those involved, and the nation, to overcome the attack is to ensure that it does not happen again.
"You can't move forward without demanding accountability. There can be no healing until we make sure this can't happen again," the Memphis police officer said later in the hearing, responding to questions. from Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois on the efforts of some in his own party to whitewash the events of January 6.
However, some of the witnesses suggested that the attack has irremediably changed their vision of the United States and their faith in the ideals it stands for.
"I guess this is America. It shouldn't be," Dunn said.
Attack on the Capitol