Winston Pingeon, a former Capitol Police officer, stands against misinformation about the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. His vivid watercolor paintings and strong advocacy shine a light on that chaotic day. Moreover, he pushes for a plaque to honor officers who defended the Capitol. This news article explores his journey, the role of his art, and his fight for historical accuracy.
Bravery Amid the Capitol Attack
On January 6, 2021, Pingeon faced a violent mob at the U.S. Capitol. The rioters stormed the building during the 2020 election certification. As one of about 2,000 officers, he endured punches and pepper spray on the Capitol’s west front. “They knocked me down and took my baton,” he told ABC News. “I focused on protecting my weapon.”
The attack left Pingeon with injuries and PTSD. However, his resolve to share the truth grew stronger. For instance, officers faced a mob 58 to 1, as confirmed by the U.S. Capitol Police. His firsthand account highlights the courage shown that day.
Art to Fight False Narratives
Pingeon turned to watercolor painting to cope with trauma. His artwork, like a self-portrait from January 6, captures the day’s raw emotion. Another piece, “Insurrection,” uses red and orange to show Trump flags and pepper spray. “My art tells my truth,” he said to NBC Boston. Consequently, three paintings now reside in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
“My paintings show what really happened. They answer those who twist history,” Pingeon said.
Some claim the attack was a “tourist visit” or an FBI plot. However, Pingeon’s art refutes these lies with vivid imagery. Shared on Instagram (@winstonwatercolors), his work reaches thousands. For example, a 2023 Pew Research Center study found 32% of Americans believe false narratives about January 6. Thus, Pingeon’s paintings play a key role in setting the record straight.
Source: Pew Research Center, “American Views on January 6,” 2023.
Pushing for a Capitol Plaque
Beyond art, Pingeon advocates for a plaque at the Capitol’s west front. This tribute, approved in a 2022 spending law, would name officers who defended democracy. “This isn’t about personal glory,” he told The Boston Globe. “We must remember what happened.”
The plaque’s delay frustrates Pingeon and allies like Representative Jim McGovern. “Forgetting January 6 risks repeating it,” McGovern told the Associated Press. Furthermore, Pingeon’s efforts honor the 140 injured officers and four who died by suicide, as noted in a Government Accountability Office report.
Source: GAO Report, “Capitol Attack Aftermath,” 2022.
A Story of Hope and Resilience
Since leaving the Capitol Police in 2021, Pingeon moved to Boston. He now works in public safety technology. Meanwhile, his art evolves, with pieces like a Capitol dome over the Constitution. These works reflect the democratic values he protected. At The Rivers School, his alma mater, he shared hope: “Art helps me heal and look forward.”
In a divided world, Pingeon’s work stands out. His paintings and advocacy fight misinformation and honor January 6 sacrifices. “I can’t change every mind,” he told The Washington Post. “But I can share my truth through art.” As a result, his efforts keep the day’s heroism alive in America’s memory.
