Senators voted on Feb. 12 unanimously to award the Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman a Congressional Gold Medal – Congress’ highest honor.
Officer Goodman played a pivitol role in protecting lawmakers from harm during the violent Jan. 6 riots in Washington, D.C. that left five people, including another officer, dead.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asked the Senate to pass legislation stating, “In the weeks after the attack on January the sixth, the world learned about the incredible bravery of Officer Goodman on that fateful day.” The lawmakers, who were convened for the final day of hearings on the second impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump, stood to applaud Goodman, who was present.
Schumer concluded, “I think we can all agree that Eugene Goodman deserves the highest honor Congress can bestow.”
Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, “In the face of lawlessness, the officers of the U.S. Capitol lived out the fullest sense of their oaths,” according to The Washington Post.
“If not for the quick thinking and bravery of Officer Eugene Goodman in particular, people in this chamber may not have escaped that day unharmed,” McConnell added.
The vote comes days after Democrat House Managers released never-before-seen footage of Goodman leading Sen. Mitt Romney away from Capitol rioters who stormed the building.
The Senate vote for Officer Goodman’s Congressional Gold Medal was unanimous.