What The Hell America!

Profiles in Courage is a new series honoring the extraordinary women and men who have transformed American institutions through principled public service. At a time when trust in government is fragile, these stories offer a powerful reminder of what ethical leadership looks like—from those who litigate for civil rights and resign on principle, to those who break military barriers and defend democracy on the front lines.

This month, we spotlight women in the Department of Justice, federal agencies and the military whose careers have been defined by integrity, resilience and reform. Their quiet heroism—often at personal cost—reaffirms the enduring role of public servants who choose justice over self-interest. Through their stories, Ms. pays tribute to a tradition of service that safeguards democracy and inspires the next generation to lead with courage.

On Jan. 6, 2021, United States Capitol Police (USCP) officers, alongside law enforcement partners, responded with bravery as they faced an unprecedented and violent assault on American democracy: A mob of thousands, determined to storm the Capitol, unleashed chaos and destruction—attacking officers with metal pipes, chemical irritants and other makeshift weapons. Their goal was clear: force their way inside, inflict damage and disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election.

As rioters pushed toward the House chamber, where members of Congress were sheltering in place, USCP officers and law enforcement partners fought to hold the line, putting their own lives on the line to defend the Capitol, lawmakers and democracy itself.

More than 50 USCP and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers were injured, with several hospitalized due to the severity of their wounds. In the face of extreme violence and insurmountable odds, their heroic actions prevented an even greater catastrophe.

These officers were not alone. They stood shoulder to shoulder with more than 18 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, along with the National Guard, all working dynamically to regain control and restore order.

We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to the men and women of the United States Capitol Police and their law enforcement partners, whose professionalism, resilience and unwavering dedication ensured democracy withstood one of its greatest threats.

These profiles honor their sacrifice, their heroism and their enduring commitment to justice and the rule of law.

Presidential Citizens Medal Honorees: Valor, Sacrifice and Advocacy

In commemoration of the second anniversary of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, President Joe Biden honored police officers whose courageous actions during the crisis helped defend American democracy. At a White House East Room ceremony, Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal—the nation’s second-highest civilian honor—to nine officers, including three posthumously. Among those recognized were officers who confronted rioters face-to-face, demonstrating extraordinary heroism during one of the nation’s darkest hours.

Officer Brian Sicknick (posthumously honored), United States Capitol Police
Officer Michael Fanone, Metropolitan Police Department
Officer Harry Dunn, United States Capitol Police
Officer Daniel Hodges, Metropolitan Police Department
Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, United States Capitol Police
Officer Caroline Edwards, United States Capitol Police
Officer Eugene Goodman, United States Capitol Police
Officer Howard C. Liebengood (posthumously honored), United States Capitol Police 
Officer Jeffrey L. Smith (posthumously honored), Metropolitan Police Department

Officer Brian Sicknick: A Fallen Hero Who Defended Democracy (Posthumously Honored)

On Jan. 6, 2021, Officer Brian Sicknick did what he had always done throughout his 12 years of service: He ran toward danger to protect others.

On the frontlines as a member of the First Responder’s Unit of the USCP, Sicknick stood as a defender of democracy when a violent mob stormed the Capitol. During the attack, Sicknick was assaulted by rioters, including being directly sprayed with a chemical irritant. He remained at his post, defending the Capitol and those inside.

Tragically, just hours later, he suffered two strokes and died the next night. His death was later ruled by the Department of Justice as being due to injuries sustained from the attack—a solemn recognition of the sacrifice he made in the line of duty.

A Guardian of the Capitol and the Constitution

Sicknick did not just wear the uniform—he embodied the principles of service, duty and courage. He dedicated his life to protecting others, serving first in the New Jersey Air National Guard before joining the USCP, where he spent more than a decade safeguarding the halls of Congress.

On that dark day in American history, with democracy under attack, Sicknick did not hesitate. He stood his ground, defending the very foundation of the republic against those who sought to dismantle it through violence. His actions on Jan. 6, 2021, were nothing short of heroic.

A Family’s Unshakable Conviction

His loss was not only a tragedy for the Capitol Police and the nation, but also a devastating blow to his family—a family that has since refused to let his sacrifice be forgotten or politicized.

At a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony honoring the officers who defended the Capitol, his parents and brother refused to shake hands with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, for their continued support of former President Donald Trump and opposition to the bipartisan commission to investigate the attack.

“We got together and said we’re not going to shake their hands,” his mother, Gladys Sicknick, told NBC.

“They continue to perpetrate the big lie, or at least not denounce it, which is basically the same thing,” his brother, Ken Sicknick, added.

Their stance was a powerful statement, reflecting the ongoing fight to honor Brian’s legacy not just in words, but in truth and accountability.

A Lasting Legacy of Honor and Courage

Brian Sicknick’s heroism and sacrifice will not be forgotten. He represents the best of America—an officer who put country before self, duty before fear, and democracy before partisanship.

His name now stands among those who have paid the ultimate price to defend the U.S. and its ideals. His family’s unwavering commitment to truth and justice ensures that his memory will not be manipulated for political convenience but will instead remain a beacon of integrity and courage. While he may no longer stand guard at the Capitol, his legacy endures in the fundamental belief that democracy is worth defending—a belief he upheld with his last full measure of devotion.

Officer Sicknick is more than a fallen officer; he is an American hero.

Officer Michael Fanone: A Defiant Defender of Democracy

I was grabbed, beaten, tased, all while being called a traitor to my country. I was at risk of being stripped of and killed with my own firearm, as I heard chants of, ‘Kill him with his own gun.’

Officer Michael Fanone

On Jan. 6, 2021, Officer Michael Fanone of the Metropolitan Police Department demonstrated an extraordinary act of bravery and selflessness that would define his legacy. Although not scheduled to work until later that day, Fanone self-deployed after hearing urgent radio calls for assistance from officers under siege at the Capitol.

What followed was one of the most harrowing ordeals faced by any law enforcement officer in modern American history. Fanone was dragged down the Capitol steps, beaten with pipes, stunned with a taser and drenched in chemical irritants. The mob ripped away his badge, ammunition and radio, while assailants screamed, “Get his gun! Kill him with his own gun!”

He suffered a heart attack, a concussion, burns, a traumatic brain injury, and later post-traumatic stress disorder—wounds both physical and psychological that he carries to this day.

“I was grabbed, beaten, tased—all while being called a traitor to my country,” he later recounted.

Despite his near-fatal injuries, Fanone refused to be silenced.

A Relentless Voice for Accountability

Fanone became one of the most outspoken advocates for justice in the aftermath of the attack, testifying before the House Select Committee investigating Jan. 6, 2021. In gut-wrenching testimony, he described the brutality he endured and the threats against democracy.

“At some point during the fighting, I was dragged from the line of officers and into the crowd. I heard someone scream—’I got one!’ As a violent mob swarmed me, they ripped off my badge, stripped me of my radio, and seized ammunition that was secured to my body. They began to beat me with their fists and what felt like hard metal objects.”

As political leaders downplayed the insurrection, Fanone demanded accountability.

In the years that followed, he wrote a letter—signed by more than 1,000 veterans, active-duty military members, law enforcement officers and their families—calling on Republican leadership to denounce political violence.

His willingness to speak truth to power has come at great personal cost. His parents were later “swatted”—a dangerous and malicious harassment tactic—putting their lives in jeopardy.

“This is incredibly f—ing dangerous,” Fanone said, condemning the escalation of political intimidation against his family.

A Legacy of Courage and Sacrifice

Though retired from the MPD, Fanone remains an unrelenting voice for justice, refusing to allow the events of Jan. 6 to fade into history without accountability. His actions—both on the steps of the Capitol and in the halls of Congress—are a testament to the courage, integrity and unbreakable resolve of those who stand against tyranny.

Fanone is more than just a former officer—he is a guardian of democracy, and his sacrifice will be remembered as a defining moment in America’s ongoing battle for truth and justice.

A Call for Accountability: Advocating for the Jan. 6 Commission

Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, Fanone, and Gladys Sicknick stood at the forefront of the fight for accountability in the wake of the Jan. 6 attack.

Determined to ensure a full and independent investigation, they personally met with U.S. senators from the Republican Party, urging them to support the creation of a Jan. 6 commission—a bipartisan investigative body modeled after the The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, commonly known as the 9/11 Commission. Their advocacy sought to uncover the full truth, prevent future attacks and honor those who risked and sacrificed their lives defending democracy that day.

Officer Harry Dunn: A Relentless Defender of Democracy and Justice

On Jan. 6, 2021, Officer Harry Dunn of the USCP faced the violent insurrection that sought to overturn the will of the people and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. Stationed outside the Capitol, Dunn was soon called inside, where he stood his ground, defending Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s office and protecting injured officers in a stairwell.

Dunn faced a mob carrying Confederate flags and MAGA banners, members of the Oath Keepers, and individuals fueled by extremism and hatred. They didn’t just assault democracy; they assaulted him personally, hurling racial slurs at him as he fought to keep them from breaching the House chamber.

“By the end of the day, my fists were bloody from fighting with rioters.”

Despite enduring unimaginable trauma, Dunn did not just survive the attack—he became one of its most powerful truth-tellers.

A Voice for Accountability and Justice

Dunn refused to let Jan. 6 fade into political convenience or historical revisionism. Alongside fellow officers Michael Fanone, Aquilino Gonell and Daniel Hodges, he testified before Congress during the first public hearing of the House Select Committee investigating the attack. His testimony was raw, powerful and deeply personal.

“I have attended psychotherapy and engaged in peer support to help me process the trauma I experienced that day.”

Dunn, along with Gladys Sicknick, Fanone and others, personally lobbied lawmakers to form the National Commission to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol Complex, known colloquially as the January 6 Commission—a pivotal step in ensuring that the attack was fully investigated and its perpetrators held accountable. He was there in attendance when the U.S. House formally approved the committee’s creation.

Dunn also played a crucial role in the trial of the Oath Keepers for seditious conspiracy, refuting their false claims that they were simply trying to “assist” police officers. His testimony contributed to the convictions of Stewart Rhodes and other key conspirators, a historic moment in the legal aftermath of Jan. 6.

Honors, Legacy and His Final Stand

For his bravery and unwavering commitment to democracy, Dunn was awarded both the Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Yet, Dunn’s battle for the truth was not without cost. He has openly criticized lawmakers who lacked the courage to stand up for democracy, calling out those who continue to minimize or distort the events of that day.

In October 2023, he shared his firsthand account in a memoir titled Standing My Ground, further cementing his role as a guardian of history, democracy and justice.

On Dec. 17, 2023, Dunn resigned from the Capitol Police, closing his chapter as an officer but continuing his work as a leader, advocate and voice for accountability.

A Legacy That Will Stand the Test of Time

Dunn was not just a witness to history—he was one of its defenders. He did not just protect the Capitol on Jan. 6; he has spent every day since protecting the truth about what happened that day. His courage, both on the battlefield of that stairwell and in the halls of Congress, ensures that the insurrection will never be forgotten, nor rewritten.

Though he no longer wears the uniform, his service to this country is far from over. Harry Dunn remains a symbol of resilience, integrity and the unyielding belief that democracy is worth fighting for.

Officer Daniel Hodges: A Relentless Defender of Truth and Democracy

I feel an ethical obligation to make sure that people understand what actually took place.

Officer Daniel Hodges

On Jan. 6, 2021, Officer Daniel Hodges of the MPD was crushed between a doorframe and a police shield stolen by rioters. Foaming at the mouth, bleeding and screaming for help, he refused to retreat—standing as a last line of defense between the violent mob and the U.S. Capitol.

The chilling footage of Hodges’ assault—his face contorted in pain as rioters attempted to gouge out his eye and pinned him between heavy doors—became one of the most haunting images of the insurrection. It defined the harrowing reality of that day and served as a stark reminder of the immense sacrifices made by law enforcement to protect democracy.

A Witness to History and an Unwavering Advocate for Truth

Hodges did not just endure the horrors of Jan. 6—he made it his mission to ensure that the truth of what happened would never be erased or rewritten. He became one of the most powerful witnesses in the fight for accountability, testifying in multiple trials against those responsible for the attack and speaking publicly at House Select Committee hearings investigating the insurrection.

“I have a moral obligation to continue fighting the disinformation and the lies that are coming out because of the profound impacts misinformation can have.”

For Hodges, testifying has been both a duty and a burden. As the years pass, he acknowledges the increasing emotional toll, yet he persists.

“I still testify in court. It keeps getting harder and harder—I get more emotional in court, which is odd. … I don’t think a day has gone by where I don’t think about it.”

His resilience and unwavering dedication to the truth earned him the Presidential Citizens Medal in 2023, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.

A Legacy of Courage and Conviction

While Officer Hodges no longer serves on the front lines in uniform, he remains a frontline defender of democracy and historical truth.

“But the truth still matters,” he said. “I feel an ethical obligation to make sure that people understand what actually took place.”

Hodges stood his ground against the mob, and today, he stands his ground against lies and revisionism. His courage, sacrifice, and steadfast commitment to justice serve as an enduring testament to the resilience of those who refuse to let democracy fall without a fight.

Daniel Hodges is not just a survivor of Jan. 6—he is a guardian of its history and a symbol of the unwavering fight for justice.

Sergeant Aquilino Gonell: A Warrior for Democracy and a Reluctant Hero

On Jan. 6, 2021, Sergeant Aquilino Gonell of the United States Capitol Police stood against an overwhelming force of violent insurrectionists determined to breach the halls of Congress. For six hours, he and his fellow officers fought to hold the line—a fight that would leave him with permanent injuries, deep psychological scars and ultimately, a career-ending sacrifice.

“My fellow officers and I were punched, kicked, shoved, sprayed with chemical irritants by a violent mob,” Gonell testified before Congress. “I could feel myself losing oxygen and recall thinking to myself: ‘This is how I’m going to die—defending this entrance.’”

A Relentless Battle for Democracy

Gonell, an Iraqi War veteran and an immigrant who came to the U.S. seeking a better life, had already defended America on foreign soil. But on Jan. 6, he found himself fighting for democracy on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

For six grueling hours, he fought off at least 40 rioters, enduring punches, bites and brutal blows from flagpoles, bats and even his own baton, which was ripped from his hands and used against him. At one point, he was dragged beneath the mob, struggling for air as his body succumbed to exhaustion and oxygen loss.

Still, he refused to surrender. He retreated to a tunnel inside the Capitol, making one last desperate stand to prevent the rioters from advancing upstairs. He knew what would happen if the mob reached lawmakers—so he held the line.

The Price of Courage

The battle left Gonell permanently injured. He underwent two major surgeries, including the insertion of a metal plate in his foot, and endured months of physical and psychological therapy.

His body could no longer meet the physical requirements of the force, forcing him to retire in December 2022—not because he chose to, but because his injuries left him no choice.

“It pains me to leave,” he said upon his retirement. “I loved my job, but my body can no longer keep up.”

His sacrifice, however, did not go unnoticed. In 2022, Gonell was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Congress can bestow, in recognition of his role in defending the Capitol. A year later, he was among 14 defenders of democracy awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Biden.

A Reluctant Hero, A Voice for the Truth

Rather than retreat into silence, Gonell turned his pain into purpose. He became a fierce advocate for truth and accountability, testifying before the House Select Committee on January 6 and in court trials against the attackers. His testimony helped secure the conviction of Kyle Fitzsimons, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison for his brutal assault on Gonell that day.

Determined to preserve the truth, he shared his story in his 2023 memoir, American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy, offering a firsthand account of what it means to stand on the front lines of American history.

A Legacy That Will Endure

Gonell did not come to America seeking glory—he came seeking a better life. Instead, he became a defender of the very ideals that make America great.

His sacrifice, his unwavering courage, and his commitment to justice have left an indelible mark on history. Though his body bears the cost of January 6, his voice remains unshaken, his integrity intact and his legacy undeniable.

For his bravery, resilience and unwavering dedication to democracy, Aquilino Gonell is more than a hero—he is a symbol of the relentless fight for justice, truth, and the preservation of American democracy.

Officer Caroline Edwards: A Fearless Guardian of Democracy

I was slipping in people’s blood. … It was carnage. It was chaos.

Officer Caroline Edwards

On Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol Police officer Caroline Edwards stood on the front lines of history. Stationed at Peace Circle on the West Front of the Capitol, she was among the first officers to confront the violent mob that would soon overwhelm the Capitol’s defenses. Undeterred, outnumbered and facing imminent danger, she fought to hold the line.

A Battle Against the Unthinkable

As the mob surged forward, Edwards immediately radioed for backup, sounding one of the earliest alarms that an insurrection was unfolding. In the ensuing chaos, she was violently shoved backward by rioters using a bike rack as a weapon, sending her crashing to the ground.

The impact left Edwards with a cracked skull, a severe concussion and brief loss of consciousness. But even as she struggled with her injuries, she remained determined to protect the Capitol, her fellow officers and the lawmakers inside.

“What I saw was a war scene … officers bleeding, throwing up … I was slipping in people’s blood,” Edwards later testified. “It was carnage. It was chaos.”

A Relentless Commitment to Truth and Justice

Edwards became the first officer to testify before the House Select Committee investigating the attack, providing a chilling firsthand account of the violence, heroism and devastating consequences of that day. Her testimony was a powerful reminder of the sacrifices law enforcement officers made in defense of democracy.

A Legacy of Valor and Leadership

In recognition of her extraordinary courage and leadership, Officer Edwards has been honored with:

• The Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the nation’s highest civilian honors.
• The 2023 Dean’s Medal for Leadership Excellence from the University of Georgia’s Grady College.

A True American Hero

Officer Edwards faced down violence, endured life-altering injuries, and rose again to ensure the truth of that day was told.

For her unwavering valor, sacrifice and dedication to justice, Edwards is not just a survivor of Jan. 6—she is a guardian of democracy and a true American hero.

Officer Eugene Goodman: A Hero Who Defended Democracy

On Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman made a split-second decision that likely saved countless lives and preserved the integrity of American democracy. As a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned law enforcement officer, Goodman demonstrated extraordinary courage and quick thinking in the face of chaos.

Recognizing imminent danger, Goodman used his tactical instincts and training to singlehandedly divert rioters from the Senate chamber, leading them in the opposite direction and buying critical time for Senators to evacuate safely.

Captured on video, his heroic maneuver quickly went viral, viewed by millions around the world as a stunning display of bravery, composure and strategic thinking under immense pressure.

A Distinguished Legacy of Service

Goodman’s actions did not go unnoticed. He was honored with the Presidential Citizens Medal, one of the highest civilian honors, recognizing his selflessness and heroism in protecting members of Congress and the democratic process.

Shortly after the attack, Goodman was appointed Acting Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the Capitol, serving in the role from Jan. 20 to Mar. 2, 2021—a testament to the trust and respect he had earned through his service.

Though a Senate resolution sought to award Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal, the measure did not pass in the House of Representatives. Regardless, his place in history is unquestionable—as an officer who took action that prevented unimaginable tragedy in a moment of grave crisis.

A True American Hero

Officer Eugene Goodman is more than a Capitol Police officer—he is a symbol of courage, duty and the unwavering defense of democracy. His actions on Jan. 6 changed the course of history, ensuring that the Senate chamber remained secure and the democratic process could continue.

For his quick thinking, fearless leadership and steadfast dedication to protecting the U.S. Capitol, Officer Eugene Goodman stands as one of the greatest heroes of Jan. 6 and an enduring guardian of American democracy.

Officer Howard C. Liebengood: A Life of Service, A Sacrifice Remembered (Posthumously Honored)

On Jan. 6, 2021, Officer Howard “Howie” Liebengood of USCP reported for duty as he had for 15 years—faithful to his oath, committed to protecting the Capitol, its occupants, and the very foundation of American democracy. But that day was unlike any other.

Two days later, on Jan. 9, 2021, Liebengood died by suicide—a tragic consequence of the unimaginable trauma, exhaustion and moral injury he suffered in the wake of the attack. His End of Watch serves as a solemn reminder that the battle did not end when the rioters were repelled—it continued in the hearts and minds of those who bore witness to the devastation, violence and betrayal of that day.

A Dedicated Protector of Democracy

Liebengood was more than a badge and uniform—he was a son, a husband, a brother and a respected protector of the institution he served. He spent the majority of his career in the Senate Division, where he built strong relationships with lawmakers, colleagues and staffers who relied on his quiet dedication and professionalism. His death was a devastating reminder of the hidden wounds carried by those who serve—wounds that too often remain unseen until it is too late.

A Legacy That Demands Justice

In the years following Jan. 6, Liebengood’s name has been spoken with honor, grief and an urgent call for recognition of the sacrifices made by law enforcement that day. He was posthumously recognized in the Public Safety Officer Benefits program, ensuring that his death was officially acknowledged as a line-of-duty loss.

In 2025, when President Donald Trump issued mass pardons for many of the rioters who attacked the Capitol, the reaction from the law enforcement community was swift and unwavering in its condemnation.

“This use of presidential power is not what Americans want to see and it’s not what law enforcement officers deserve,” said the Capitol Police Union.

“Allowing those convicted of these crimes to be released early diminishes accountability and devalues the sacrifices made by courageous law enforcement officers and their families,” wrote the Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

For the officers who risked everything to protect democracy, and for families like the Liebengoods, the pardons were a gut-wrenching betrayal—a dismissal of their pain, their loss and the sacrifices they made in the line of duty.

Honoring Officer Liebengood’s Memory

Officer Liebengood’s service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. His name stands alongside the heroes who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6, those who bore witness to the unthinkable, and those who continue to fight for truth and accountability.

His death shines a light on the mental health crisis among first responders, urging greater recognition, support and protections for those who sacrifice their well-being in the name of service.

Though he is no longer with us, his legacy remains—in the halls he once patrolled, in the voices of his fellow officers who continue to demand justice, and in the unwavering belief that democracy is worth defending, even at the highest cost.

Rest in honor, Officer Howard Liebengood. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Officer Jeffrey L. Smith: A Posthumous Tribute to Duty, Sacrifice and Lasting Change (Posthumously Honored)

On Jan. 6, 2021, MPD officer Jeffrey L. Smith responded to the urgent call for backup. He fought alongside his fellow officers, enduring multiple altercations and sustaining direct blows, including a brutal strike from a flying metal pole.

Tragically, nine days later, on Jan. 15, 2021, Smith died by suicide—becoming one of multiple law enforcement officers lost in the wake of the attack. A psychiatrist later confirmed what his widow, Erin Smith, had long known: The extreme trauma he endured on Jan. 6 directly led to dramatic behavioral changes and ultimately, his death.

A Legacy of Advocacy and Change

Determined that her husband’s sacrifice would not be forgotten, Erin Smith became a tireless advocate for recognizing the emotional and neurological toll of traumatic events on law enforcement officers.

Her efforts played a pivotal role in the passage of the Public Safety Officer Support Act, signed into law by President Biden in August 2022. This landmark legislation ensures that families of officers who die by suicide as a result of traumatic exposures receive the same federal benefits awarded to other first responders—a long-overdue acknowledgment of the mental health crisis in law enforcement.

In a powerful and historic moment, Biden posthumously awarded Smith the Presidential Citizens Medal on Jan. 6, 2023, recognizing his service, sacrifice and the lasting impact of his tragic loss.

A Hero Remembered, A Nation Forever Changed

Smith was more than a uniform—he was a protector, a dedicated public servant, and a man who gave everything in the line of duty. His sacrifice has prompted a national reexamination of how line-of-duty deaths are recognized, ensuring that no officer suffering from the unseen wounds of service is ever forgotten again.

The Broader Impact 

Beyond individual acts of heroism, the legacies of these officers have prompted significant legislative and policy changes. Officer Smith’s case, in particular, catalyzed reforms in how mental health and brain injuries are treated within the law enforcement community. The passage of the Public Safety Officer Support Act represents a paradigm shift, ensuring that all families of fallen officers receive full recognition and benefits when their losses are directly linked to their service.

As these narratives of bravery and loss continue to shape public discourse, the Presidential Citizens Medal ceremony stands not only as a tribute to those who defended the Capitol but also as a call to honor and support all first responders who face profound risks in the line of duty. These officers deserve our deepest gratitude. We thank you for your service. 

A Justice System Undermined

The Justice Department charged more than 1,500 individuals in connection with the attack on the Capitol, including hundreds for violently assaulting law enforcement officers. Dozens of officers suffered serious injuries, and five died in the aftermath—one from a stroke and four by suicide.

Despite this, one of President Trump’s first acts in office was to offer clemency to all involved, commuting the sentences of 14 orchestrators of the attack and granting “a full, complete, and unconditional pardon” to all others convicted in connection to Jan. 6.

For the officers who risked their lives defending democracy, these pardons are more than a political act—they are a gut-wrenching betrayal of their service, their sacrifices, and their unyielding stand for the rule of law.

Reaction from United States Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department Officers

The officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, many of whom suffered life-altering injuries, responded with anger, grief and outrage to Trump’s mass pardons of the rioters who assaulted them and desecrated the seat of American democracy.

Former Officer Harry Dunn joined Officer Daniel Hodges and Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) at a press conference, condemning the pardons as a shameful betrayal of law enforcement and the rule of law.

“Today is another dark day in American history and a continuation of the stain that January 6th left on our nation,” Dunn said in a statement. “I am infuriated, but not surprised in the slightest. We can’t pretend to be shocked because Trump has fulfilled his longstanding promise to pardon the criminals he incited to attack me and my fellow officers.”

Officer Hodges, who worked Trump’s second inauguration just days earlier, struggled to process the news.

“I was beaten, crushed, kicked, punched, surrounded. Someone reached underneath my visor and tried to gouge out my eye,” Hodges said. “All these people were just pardoned by Donald Trump, who says that they were the real victims.”

Later, he took to social media. “I just worked about 14 hours making sure Trump’s inauguration was secure and peaceful, got home, and read this. Thanks, America.”

Fanone, who suffered a heart attack after rioters tortured, tased and beat him unconscious, expressed his devastation at the pardons. “Six individuals who assaulted me as I did my job on Jan. 6 … will now walk free,” Fanone told Anderson Cooper. “Six individuals who threatened my life and threatened my family members … My family, my children and myself are less safe today.”

For former Sergeant Gonell, who was forced to retire due to his injuries that day, the pardons represent an erasure of accountability for those who changed his life forever. “This is a miserable miscarriage of justice and erases accountability for the criminals who have done irreparable damage to our nation,” Gonell said in a statement. “The scars of Jan. 6, 2021, are seared in my mind and body, and I will never truly recover from the events of that day.”