Members of the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a bill to award Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman with the Congressional Gold Medal. During the Capitol Hill riots, Goodman diverted a violent mob away from federal lawmakers in the Senate chamber. Through this award, Reps. Emmanuel Cleaver, Nancy Mace and Charlie Crist hope to honor Goodman for "his bravery and quick thinking during last week’s insurrection."
"The United States Capitol was under attack by armed, violent extremists, and Officer Eugene Goodman was the only thing standing between the mob and the United States Senate. I shudder to think what might have happened had it not been for Officer Goodman's fast thinking and commitment to his duty and his country," Rep. Charlie Crist said.
"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."
Rep. Nancy Mace also joined Crist in highlighting the work of Goodman. By diverting the mob from the Senate chamber, security was able to relocate members of Congress safely and potentially save lives.
"[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," Mace said.
"Thanks to his valor, we are here today. From the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank him enough for his bravery and for his dedication to the call of duty."
Handling tense situations is not new to Goodman. Prior to working on Capitol Hill, he served in Iraq. If he is awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, he would join an illustrious list of recipients that includes Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela.
Photo Credit: Getty Images