Honoring Capitol Defenders: The Story Behind the New Plaque on the Senate Side
A new plaque has been installed near the Capitol's West Front to honor the officers who bravely defended the building during the violent attack on January 6, 2021. The plaque, which was required by law to be erected three years ago, was finally put up on the Senate side of the hallway after a delay by House Speaker Mike Johnson. The inscription on the plaque expresses gratitude to the officers for their heroism and dedication to protecting democracy.
Senator Thom Tillis led the effort to install the plaque as the nation marked the fifth anniversary of the attack. He praised the officers for their courage in facing the mob of rioters who breached the Capitol building. The violent incident, fueled by false claims of election fraud by then-President Donald Trump, resulted in injuries to over 140 officers from various law enforcement agencies.
Despite the passage of a law in 2022 mandating the installation of the plaque, it took a lawsuit by two officers, including Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges, to push for its placement. Hodges, who was among those injured during the attack, emphasized the importance of fully complying with the law's requirements to ensure the memorial's integrity. The overnight installation of the plaque was seen as a temporary measure, with the lawsuit continuing to seek a permanent solution.
The installation of the plaque serves as a visible reminder of the sacrifices made by the officers who defended the Capitol on that fateful day. Their bravery and dedication to upholding democracy will be remembered and honored for years to come.