Capitol Police Were on the Front Line of January 6 Riot
During the riot and attack on the Capitol on January 6th, 140 police officers were injured and 5 gave their lives.
Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick died of a stroke from injuries sustained during the riot.
Four other police officers died by suicide in the days and months following the attack: Howard Liebengood, Jeffrey Smith, Kyle DeFreytag and Gunther Hashida.
Video of Capitol Police Officer Edwards' Testimony, describing the war-like scenes law enforcement faced on January 6th:
The aftermath of riots at the US Capitol Building.
Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call, Inc /Getty
A Capitol Police officer receives medical treatment after clashes with rioters. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)TOM WILLIAMS
File photo. An injured U.S. Capitol police officer is escorted by fellow officers after demonstrators breached security fencing and entered the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
Fraternal Order of Police Called for Violence, Lawlessness to End
The Fraternal Order of Police, the largest law enforcement union, with 356,00 members, stated during the attack, “The images coming in from the United State Capitol Building today are heartbreaking to every American. Lawlessness is not how Americans affect change in our great country.”
The statement continues, “We urge everyone involved to reject the use of violence and to obey the orders of law enforcement officers to ensure that these events are brought to a swift and peaceable end.”
Cleaning Up the Mess
Police officers and other Capitol staff worked in the days following the attack to clean up and secure the perimeter from future attacks.
Damage is seen inside the US Capitol building early on Jan. 7, 2021, in Washington, D.C, after supporters of US President Donald Trump breached security and entered the building during a session of Congress.
Recognizing Law Enforcement for their Bravery on January 6th
The U.S. House of Representatives voted 406-21 last June to award the Congressional Gold Medal to the officers that defended the Capitol on January 6th. A small Republican faction of Congress people (21 Republican representatives) voted against honoring the Capitol police officers. However, a majority of our leaders recognized the need to honor their service.
Medals were given to members of the U.S. Capitol Police Force, D.C. Metropolitan Police, and a medal was put on display at the Smithsonian Institution to commemorate those who defended the Capitol.