/https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/6025c09eda414d60f8d040ed/0x0.jpg?cropX1=0&cropX2=5568&cropY1=0&cropY2=3132&w=1200&resize=1200,675&ssl=1 "Eugene Goodman, Other Capitol Police Officers At Insurrection To Receive Congressional Gold Medal")
Topline
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduced a bill Thursday awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to law enforcement officers who protected the Capitol during the riots, including to Eugene Goodman, the officer seen on footage released Wednesday helping Sen. Mitt Romney narrowly escape the mob.
Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman and officers watched newly released video footage, of the … [+]
Photo by Brandon Bell-Pool/Getty Images
Key Facts
The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’ highest civilian honor.
In announcing the legislation, Pelosi lauded Officer Eugene Goodman, who earned praise last month after a viral video showed him leading rioters away from the Senate chamber and to a location with more officers.
Goodman was also seen on footage released by Democrats on Wednesday telling Romney to run in the other direction as the rioters approached.
Three officers have died as a direct result of the insurrection: Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who was struck in the head by a fire extinguisher, and two officers who died by suicide after the attack.
In total, more than 140 officers also suffered injuries from the riot.
Crucial Quote
“To have our police officers’ bravery acknowledged at a time when they’re experiencing tremendous emotions and exhaustion is a gift,” Acting Capitol Police Chief USCP Yogananda Pittman said in a statement. “We have too many heroes to count and we are humbled Congress may recognize them in this way.”
What To Watch For
The bill needs to be co-sponsored by two-thirds of the House before it goes into committee. Then, it needs to be passed by the Senate and signed into law by President Biden.
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