Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman, a Black man who fended off the violent mob that breached the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 and diverting them from entering the Senate chamber and potentially saving lives, is part of the official escort accompanying Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to the platform outside the Capitol where she will be sworn into the nation’s second-highest office.
Officer Goodman, who has been hailed as a hero on Capitol Hill for his courageous action, was elevated to serve as the No. 2 security official in the Senate for the inaugural events on Wednesday, The New York Times reports.
Goodman, who was filmed and photographed luring the mob away from the unguarded doors to the Senate chamber a minute before they were locked, prevented the invaders from breaching the chamber while senators were still inside. Officer Goodman’s actions gave the lawmakers time to evacuate to a secure location before the rioters could enter.
A bipartisan trio of lawmakers has introduced legislation that would award Officer Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal for his bravery during the rampage.
