Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Introduce Bill To Award Capitol Police Officer the Congressional Gold Medal

Three lawmakers are pushing to recognize the actions of a U.S. Capitol Police officer who has been hailed as a hero for his actions that diverted a crowd of rioters away from an entrance to the U.S. Senate on January 6.

Freshman Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) along with Reps. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), and Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) unveiled legislation on Thursday to award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal for “his bravery and quick thinking during last week’s insurrection.”

A press release noted, “Various media outlets witnessed as Officer Goodman valiantly put himself in harm’s way, luring a violent mob away from an unguarded entrance to the Senate chambers, protecting Senators, staff, and reporters inside.”

A viral video from the rioter at the Capitol shows Goodman facing down several rioters. He is seen walking up a stairwell as the mob follows him.

At one point, upon reaching the top of the stairwell, Goodman is seen briefly looking to his left through a doorway that would have led to the entrance of the Senate chamber. However, he proceeded to draw the crowd in the opposite direction, where he was met by more officers.

Watch the video of the incident below:

Mace said Goodman’s actions “were heroic and represent the best of Law Enforcement