Read the video transcript here
Now they have their say - the police officers who faced an angry, raging mob on January 6th on and in the US Capitol in Washington.
A committee is to clarify almost seven months after the storm on the Capitol, how it came about - and what exactly happened.
Aquilino Gonell / Policeman
“The rioters called me a traitor. I am a shame And they shouted that I - an Army veteran and policeman - should be executed. I noticed how I couldn't breathe and thought, this is how I will die now - defending the (Capitol) entrance. "
Five people, including a police officer, died in the uprising that Donald Trump had personally incited his supporters to make during a speech.
168 officers were injured, some seriously.
Trump fans wanted to prevent Congress from formally recognizing Joe Biden's election victory that day.
Video recordings that are shown between statements in the meeting make it clear how dangerous the situation was for the police officers on site.
Some of the bodycam videos have never been seen by the public before.
Mike Fanone / Police Officer
“I was dragged into the crowd, beaten and stun gun while the crowd shouted that I was a traitor. There was a risk that they would shoot me with my own gun. I heard her scream: kill him with his own weapon! I still hear those words today. "
Mike Fanone lost consciousness for minutes after a heart attack while on duty at the Capitol before he could be saved.
He also suffered severe head injuries.
Fanone found clear words for the Republicans, who want to largely boycott the proceedings before the committee of inquiry and downplay the events.
Mike Fanone / Police Officer
“I've gone through hell and back to protect her and the people in this room. But too many tell me now that hell doesn't exist and that hell wasn't that bad after all. This indifference to my comrades is a shame! "
Many of the attackers were armed with sledgehammers and knives, with steel pipes, batons and flagpoles, hockey and baseball bats.
Harry Dunn / Policeman
“A woman in a pink Trump shirt yelled, Did you hear that N… .. voted for Joe Biden. Then the crowd, about twenty people, shouted: Fucking N….! «
Was the attack on January 6th coordinated, planned and discussed? That is what the committee of inquiry is supposed to find out in the forthcoming hearings. The list of witnesses is long - Donald Trump, who described the attackers as a "loving crowd", is supposed to speak out and explain what role he played that day.
