Lawmakers introduce bill to award Capitol Police officer Congressional Gold Medal

A bipartisan group of lawmakers have introduced a bill to award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal for his role in protecting lawmakers against the mob of President Trump’s supporters that breached the U.S. Capitol.

Reps. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) and Charlie Crist (D-Fla.) introduced the measure, saying Goodman deserves Congress’ highest civilian honor after he was captured in photos and videos leading rioters away form the entrance to the Senate chamber during the riot.

“He’s a hero!” Crist said in a statement. “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.”

When Officer Eugene Goodman was the only thing standing between Members of Congress & the mob, he selflessly redirected their fury on himself so they could escape. @RepCharlieCrist, @repcleaver, & I urge he be honored w/ the Congressional Gold Medal. READ: https://t.co/iOC3dz6Tdw pic.twitter.com/utnOddD8JR

— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) January 14, 2021

Video posted to Twitter shows Goodman being chased by rioters as he heads toward the second floor of the Senate side of the Capitol. He is then seen looking through an empty doorway that leads to the Senate floor, where lawmakers and staff were sheltering.

Goodman, after briefly placing himself between the doorway and a rioter at the front of the group, then lured the mob away from the immediate entrance and around a corner to a back corridor where additional law enforcement confronted the crowd. 

Most senators, staff and about a dozen journalists were sheltering on the Senate floor as the scene unfolded. Lawmakers later evacuated to a secure location.

Mace said in a statement that 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,” Mace said. “From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank him enough for his bravery and for his dedication to the call of duty.”

Five people died amid the chaos on Capitol Hill last week, including Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died after sustaining injuries responding to the mob. Dozens of arrests have been made, and the FBI said it has opened more than 170 cases tied to the riot.