Republicans in the Pennsylvania state House of Representatives booed two officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 during their visit to the chamber on Wednesday.
Republicans in the House booed and walked out on former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and former U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, as they were introduced by Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D).
“The GOP members’ shameful behavior was unbecoming of our institution for any guest, let alone two of the men responsible for defending our democracy during a dark day in our nation’s history,” McClinton said in a statement. ”The Republicans’ disrespect, lack of patriotism and even common decency, epitomizes the poor behavior that so many in the MAGA movement have adopted.”
Majority Caucus Chair Mike Schlossberg (D) noted that several Republicans refused to stand and applaud the officers.
“All Democrats stood and applauded the officers, while a majority of Republicans either remained seated — while not applauding — began booing or left the floor,” Schlossberg said. “I do want to be clear, there were absolutely Republican members who did applaud and stand. But a majority did not.”
Several lawmakers also posted to X that they witnessed their Republican colleagues jeering at the officers.
“Today we welcomed two American heroes, Officer Harry Dunn @libradunn and Sergeant Aquilino Gonell to the Pennsylvania Capitol. A number of House Republicans literally booed, hissed, and walked off the floor — there is no bottom,” state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D) wrote.
“Dumbfounded that many @PaHouseGOP disrespected these brave men by exiting the chamber during their recognition. Shameful,” state Rep. Emily Kinkead (D) wrote.
State Rep. Arvind Venkat (D) also said some Republicans “walked out on these heroes.” He told the Washington Post that between eight and 10 of his Republican colleagues walked out.
Gonell told NBC News that it was “shocking, but yet not surprising” that MAGA lawmakers in the state house would treat them that way.
“They just walk out, began jeering at us, and turn their backs on us,” Gonell said. “They literally turned their back on us, and then they’ll probably go on TV and say they support the police.”
The officers have been campaigning for Biden in several key states to discuss the threat Trump poses to democracy.
