American Shield

The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy

By: Susan Shapiro, Aquilino Gonell

Narrated by: Robb Moreira

Set against the extraordinary events of January 6, 2021, Aquilino Gonell’s inspirational memoir is rooted in the joys and struggles of the immigrant experience that have long defined the American experiment

Aquilino Gonell came to the United States from the Dominican Republic as a young boy. Although he spoke no English, he dedicated himself to his adopted land, striving for the American dream. Determined to be a success story, he joined the army to pay for college. He saw action in Iraq and returned home with PTSD. Believing in the promise of our government, he focused on healing himself and supporting his family. His hard work paid off when he landed a coveted position with the United States Capitol Police and rose to the rank of sergeant.

January 6, 2021, changed everything. When insurrectionists stormed the Capitol, Gonell bravely faced down the mob attempting to thwart the peaceful transfer of power. The brutal injuries he sustained that day would end his career in law enforcement. But when some of the very people he put his life on the line to protect downplayed or denied the truth of that day, he chose to speak out against the injustice done to him and the country. Chronicling what it means to live a life of conviction, one that adheres to the best ideas of our democracy, American Shield is a bold testament to the power of truth, justice, and accountability from a highly decorated officer and immigrant who exemplifies the greatest aspirations of a grateful nation.

©2023 Aquilino Gonell and Susan Shapiro (P)2023 Recorded Books

Courage and grit

The background of his childhood sets the stage for how he defended democracy on January 6th. Thank you officer Gonnell.

Sgt Gonels bravery

I loved how Sgt Gonel's family hx was artfully weaved into Jan 6th story of bravery

Detailed and compelling

Thank you, Officer Gonnell for telling your story of immigration, courage, and disillusionment, and conviction. You are a true hero.

Fascinating Read

When I listened to Sergeant Aquilino Gonell speak with co-author Susan Shapiro at a recent book event, I knew I was sitting before a great man, despite his humble demeanor. In AMERICAN SHIELD, he tells the story of a hard-working immigrant who served our country in Iraq, dedicated his life to law enforcement, and suffered debilitating and life-altering beatings from the January 6 insurrectionists. The irony of an immigrant defending the nation against US citizens attacking democracy is not lost on the reader. It is clear Sergeant Gonell is speaking up out of a duty to protect the country and counter the misinformation and lies that have been told in the aftermath of that shameful day. With vivid detail, the co-authors brought me into Sergeant Gonell's world and into inner workings of his mind as he acted and made decisions throughout his life. He is a model US citizen.

Immigrant, Soldier, Capitol Police Officer

This is a highly personal story of how a young person became an American hero (my phrase, and a fitting one for Officer Gonell). He takes us through his hardscrabble life in Brooklyn, his war service in Iraq, and his experience as a Capitol Police Department before, during and after January 6. Very well written by Susan Shapiro and an excellent performance by Robb Moreira. Mr. Moreira has an uncanny ability to yell without raising the volume of his voice and to capture the immigrant accents of young Gonell and his family. Respect to Gonell’s hard working mother and the hard life she lived. This book reminds me of the precious citizenship I take for granted, and the blessings our country bestows, but also the depraved underbelly of the rioters and those shameful politicians and news media personalities who would call them “patriots” and minimize what occurred that day. Thank you for your service and your contributions to our country Aquilino Gonell. You deserve that recommended promotion to Lieutenant.

Incredibly powerful and moving book!

It was heartbreaking reading the story of Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell. This man, an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, enlisted in the Army, served a tour in Iraq, became a U.S. Citizen, and then joined the Capitol Police Dept. The events of January 6, he describes as far worse than anything he experienced during his time in the Iraq War.

It horrifies me that so many people still downplay the events of that day, calling it a "hoax", or a "peaceful protest", or simply say it was "no big deal". Those people, more than any, need to read this book, but I doubt any will.

This book is utterly worth your time!

The sergeant's patriotism

This is a really important read and a very good story... It'd be great if this is actually taught in class as a lesson in american modern history

He spoke from the heart, and retold his life’s story eloquently.

He was a hero in his service to the country. Brilliant review of his experience in Iraq and as a Capitol police officer. I read it in one sitting I enjoyed it so much.

A real hero

I hate the horrors our country goes through daily from Donald Trump and the Maga liars who support him

Thank you for your service

My fellow Army veteran and brother in blue. I thank you for your services and your brave words to express during your difficult time since Jan 6. It’s a shame that we are in a beautiful country that because one party dont see what everyone else does makes everything so difficult for all. God bless hermano. Que dios te bendiga siempre hermano.