Now a bipartisan trio of lawmakers want to recognize Goodman with a Congressional Gold Medal for potentially saving lives on one of the darkest days in U.S. history.
Democratic representatives. Charlie Crist of Florida and Emanuel Cleaver II of Missouri, and Republican Nancy Mace of South Carolina this week introduced a bill to award Goodman the Medal, reserved for Americans who have made “remarkable achievements and contributions” to their country .
Goodman’s contribution was filmed. Images of the insurgency captured by Huffington Post reporter Igor Bobic show Goodman being chased down a Capitol staircase by a mob of insurgents shortly after their break-in. When he reached a landing, he looked to his left, where he noticed the door to the Senate chambers still unguarded. He then led the rioters to the right, away from the lawmakers and towards the deputy officers.
The Senate chambers would only be secured a minute later, according to CNN’s timeline of events since the riot.
“By putting his own life on the line and with success in single-handedly removing insurgents from the floor of the Senate Chamber, Officer Eugene Goodman has fulfilled his duty to protect Congress with distinction, and through his actions. , Officer Goodman left an indelible mark on American history, ”the legislation reads.
Lawmakers have said in statements that his actions have saved lives.
“When he was the only thing standing between members of Congress and the violent mob, he quickly and selflessly redirected their fury on himself so those members could escape,” Mace said. “Thanks to his bravery, we are here today.”
CNN has contacted the United States Capitol Police for comment and is awaiting a response. The department has not publicly identified Goodman to CNN or other outlets.
Previous Congressional Gold Medal winners include Tuskegee Airmen, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. (posthumously awarded) and Coretta Scott King and the black mathematicians who worked at NASA in the mid-20th century , notably Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan.
