Eugene Goodman, the Capitol police officer who removed violent protesters from lawmakers during the January 6 attack, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by the United States Senate.
Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer called the vote at the end of Friday’s impeachment process, noting Goodman’s “prediction in the midst of chaos and his willingness to become a target of crowd fury so others can achieve safety “.
The Senate voted to award Goodman the medal – the highest honor that Congress can bestow – by unanimous consent, meaning there were no objections. The medal has traditionally been used to honor military officers for distinguished services.
Goodman was in the Senate chamber while Schumer spoke, and the entire Senate stood up and turned to him, applauding him on his feet. He put his hand on his heart.
Goodman, who was promoted to Senate weapons sergeant after his performance during the Capitol rebellion, was in the chamber during much of the impeachment trial. As an armed crowd of Trump supporters advanced over the Capitol, threatening lawmakers, including Mike Pence, the former vice president, Goodman intercepted, engaging protesters and taking them out of the Senate Chamber.
In new videos broadcast as part of the House Democrats’ argument that former President Donald Trump incited the insurrection, Goodman was also shown leading Republican Senator Mitt Romney to safety while he unknowingly headed for a location where the crowd was gathered.
“I was very lucky that Officer Goodman was there to put me in the right direction,” Romney told reporters on Wednesday. He said he didn’t know until he saw the footage that Goodman potentially saved his life.
A decorated Army veteran who served from 2002 to 2006, Goodman, 40, is from Maryland. Last month, he accompanied Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, to the inauguration ceremony.
“He is fully deserving of the highest civilian honor granted by Congress, and I am happy that the Senate acted quickly in our legislation to recognize the quick thinking and bravery of this great Marylander with a Congressional gold medal,” said Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen in a statement. “I urge my colleagues in the Chamber to do the same quickly.”
House leader Nancy Pelosi presented plans this week to honor the officer.