Two police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot have initiated legal action to compel the installation of a plaque commemorating law enforcement’s efforts during the attack. The lawsuit, filed by former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and current Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges, claims that Congress’s failure to install the plaque violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution.
The officers contend that not honoring them leads to a distortion of historical accountability, suggesting that their bravery is being overlooked. The complaint names Architect of the Capitol Thomas Austin as the defendant and was submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
As the situation unfolds, Democratic lawmakers have intensified their calls for the plaque’s installation, emphasizing that it was supposed to be placed on the West Front of the Capitol by March 2023, as mandated by law. Efforts during National Police Week by representatives, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, have highlighted the importance of honoring the officers who risked their lives that day. Morelle has even displayed a replica of the plaque outside his office to promote recognition of their sacrifice.
The finished plaque acknowledges the bravery of law enforcement without naming individual officers but highlights their collective contributions on January 6, 2021. The lawsuit refutes the notion that Congress has fulfilled its legal duty to install the memorial and calls out the inaction as a significant affront to the valor and honor of the officers involved.
Both Dunn and Hodges have shared their experiences openly, reflecting the psychological toll from that day, compounded by the lack of recognition from their government. The lawsuit aims not only to ensure the plaque’s installation but also to affirm the sacrifices made by the officers during a moment of national crisis.
This ongoing debate sheds light on the broader narrative surrounding the January 6 events and the recognition of those who defended democracy during a tumultuous time. The efforts of Dunn and Hodges, supported by various lawmakers, may catalyze a reexamination of how we collectively remember and honor acts of courage in the face of adversity.