A police officer is being hailed for his role in driving an angry mob out of Senate chambers during Wednesday’s deadly attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump crowd.
Capitol Policeman Eugene Goodman, identified by CNN reporter Kristin Wilson, can be seen in video footage distracting protesters from the camera as police rushed to protect the area.
In the confrontation, Goodman stands between a man wearing a black QAnon T-shirt and a corridor that leads to the Senate chambers, then pushes the person to induce him and the crowd to chase Goodman towards the officers in the opposite direction.
This is the scary moment when protesters initially entered the building on the first floor and left the Senate Chamber. pic.twitter.com/CfVIBsgywK
– Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 6, 2021
Capitol Police did not respond to a request about the officer ‘s identity. The efforts of Goodman, who is black, gave the police time to run to lock the doors of the Senate House, according to the Washington Post.
Several lawmakers praised Goodman’s actions.
Jaime Harrison, associate chairman of the Democratic National Committee, tweeted: “The word hero does not properly describe Officer Eugene Goodman. His judgment and heroism may have saved our Republic. Harrison asked Goodman to be considered for the Congressional gold medal.
Correction .. Congress gold medal
– Jaime Harrison (@harrisonjaime) January 10, 2021
US Representative Bill Pascrell I wrote on Twitter on Sunday: “While Trump’s fascist mob looted the US Capitol, this brave USCP [United States Capitol police] officer kept rowdy killers out of the Senate chamber and saved lives from within. God bless you for your courage. “
Congressman Scott Peters tweeted: “Officer Eugene Goodman strategically led a furious crowd away from the Senate floor during last week’s insurrection. His courage and decisive action probably saved lives. We owe a debt of gratitude to Officer Goodman and many other officers who kept us safe that day. “
Several members of Congress with military experience, including Ruben Gallego and Jason Crow, were also praised for calming frightened colleagues and assisting evacuation during the chaos.
Trump, who unsuccessfully tried to reverse his defeat in the November elections for Joe Biden by falsely alleging widespread fraud, called on supporters gathered in Washington to protest Congress’s counting of electoral votes that testify to Biden’s victory.
Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result of Wednesday’s unrest and dozens of people were charged.
Among the crowd that invaded the Capitol were individuals waving Confederate flags and wearing clothes with insignia and slogans defending beliefs of white supremacy.
The capitol police chief resigned after the attack and a federal prosecutor said he would accuse any capitol policeman considered an accomplice.
Two Capitol police officers were suspended for their actions during the attack. Tim Ryan, a Democratic senator from Ohio, said on Monday that one of the officers took a selfie with someone and the other put on a “Make America Great Again” cap. He said of the latter that the “interim chief has determined that he qualifies for immediate suspension”.