Capitol hero police officer honoured for bravery during January 6 insurrection

Eugene Goodman honoured by US Senate

Credit: Reuters

On Friday, previously unseen footage presented by the Democrat impeachment managers showed Mr Goodman, an army veteran, ushering Utah senator Mitt Romney to safety as the rioters approached.

Having voted to convict Mr Trump in the first impeachment trial, Mr Romney would have been a prime target of the Trump-supporting mob.

“I was very fortunate indeed that Officer Goodman was there to get me in the right direction,” Mr Romney said.

“I expressed my appreciation to him for coming to my aid and getting me back into the path of safety and expressed my appreciation for all that he did that day,” he added.

Mr Goodman’s bravery was initially recognised during Joe Biden’s inauguration, when he escorted vice-president-elect Kamala Harris onto the White House balcony.

Officer Eugene Goodman's heroic actions on Jan 6th saved countless lives & prevented a violent mob from breaching the Senate Chamber.

Officer Goodman should be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his bravery & service.

We all owe him a debt of gratitude. https://t.co/CMyoXB2uqj

— Rep. Frank Pallone (@FrankPallone) February 11, 2021

He received a standing ovation from the crowd then, and again when the award was announced in the US Senate on Friday.

"By redirecting violent rioters away from the Senate chamber on January 6th, Officer Goodman defended our democracy and saved the lives of senators and staff," Maryland senator Chris Van Hollen said.

"He is wholly deserving of the highest civilian honour bestowed by Congress, and I’m glad the Senate acted quickly on our legislation to recognise the quick thinking and bravery of this great Marylander with a Congressional Gold Medal. 

“I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly follow suit."

His sentiments were widely shared. 

“Officer Eugene Goodman’s heroic actions on Jan 6th saved countless lives and prevented a violent mob from breaching the Senate Chamber,” tweeted Democratic congressman Frank Pallone.

 “We all owe him a debt of gratitude.”