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:
Here’s the scary moment when protesters initially got into the building from the first floor and made their way outside Senate chamber. pic.twitter.com/CfVIBsgywK
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021
Mace said Goodman’s actions “were heroic and represent the best of law enforcement.”
“When he was the only thing standing between Members of Congress and the violent mob, he quickly and selflessly redirected their fury upon himself so those Members could escape. Thanks to his valor, we are here today. From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank him enough for his bravery and for his dedication to the call of duty,” she said.
Crist called Goodman a “hero” as he said, “I shudder to think what might have happened had it not been for Officer Goodman’s fast thinking and commitment to his duty and his country.”
“While some will remember last Wednesday for the very worst in our country, the patriotism and heroics of Officer Eugene Goodman renew my faith and remind us all what truly makes the United States great,” he added.
While lawmakers called the resignations of top officials in the Capitol Police force for failing to prepare for the riots, Congressional staffers have left tributes to the police officers who worked to keep them safe amid the violence.
