Story at a glance
- Eugene Goodman is a Capitol Police officer who diverted a mob during the insurrection on the Capitol.
- Goodman has since been promoted and escorted Vice President Harris to the inauguration.
- While Goodman himself has remained quiet, he has received much praise online.
Since Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman risked his own safety to divert a mob from the Senate chamber during the insurrection at the United States Capitol on Jan. 6, he became a national hero overnight. In the weeks since, the Black officer who stood alone against mostly white Trump supporters has become a symbol of both the bravery of Capitol Police officers and the failure of their leadership.
THE LATEST ON THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT
PROTESTERS’ DEMANDS TO DEFUND THE POLICE TAKE HOLD
YOU MAY THINK YOU’RE NOT A RACIST. BUT THAT’S NOT ENOUGH
BOOKS ON RACE AND DISCRIMINATION BECOME BESTSELLERS IN WAKE OF GEORGE FLOYD KILLING
MOST AMERICANS SUPPORT PROTESTORS OVER PRESIDENT TRUMP
But on Inauguration Day, Goodman, who escorted Vice President Harris to the stage, was announced on national television as acting deputy House sergeant-at-arms, a promotion that garnered nearly as much attention as his camel coat and Gucci scarf online.
Oh. He stay frosty. pic.twitter.com/eXmIsFRZMe
— CJ Johnson (@cjjohnsonjr) January 20, 2021
Can we also talk about how good Eugene Goodman looked yesterday? In that lovely camel coat with his Gucci scarf. He looked so proud I hope he was pic.twitter.com/JnRh2XKo6m
— It’s me, Jazmin Lee! (@plusequalsuk) January 21, 2021
America is changing faster than ever! Add Changing America to your Facebook or Twitter feed to stay on top of the news.
While Goodman himself has not spoken publicly about his actions that day, the country is abuzz with calls for honors. A bill introduced in the House of Representatives proposes awarding Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal “for his bravery and quick thinking” and a Change.org petition with more than 80,000 signatures is calling for him to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Officer Eugene Goodman recognized a critical moment where the lives of others were at stake. He courageously risked himself to divert rioters and exemplifies the courage [and] bravery that is the hallmark of Capitol law enforcement. In a very difficult time, his character shone through,” says the petition. “He is an American hero.”
READ MORE LIKE THIS FROM CHANGING AMERICA
KEVIN VALDEZ OF APPLE TV+’S ‘LITTLE VOICE’ ON BEING AN ACTOR WITH AUTISM
THESE TWO CHANGEMAKERS HAVE CREATED AN INCLUSIVE SPACE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR
NYC LAWYER-TURNED-PHOTOGRAPHER SHEDS LIGHT ON THE PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT
TRAVEL JOURNALIST ILLUMINATES CONTROVERSIAL SIDES OF ALL DESTINATIONS
changing america copyright.
