Capitol Plaque Honors Officers from January 6 Siege After Delays

WASHINGTON — A new plaque now graces the halls of the U.S. Capitol, serving as a poignant reminder of the events of January 6, 2021, and the bravery of officers who stood their ground that day.

Quietly set near the Capitol’s West Front, a site of intense conflict, the plaque acknowledges the officers’ sacrifices more than three years after its approval by law. It is strategically placed on the Senate side, following unanimous consent from the chamber, after House Speaker Mike Johnson’s previous postponement.

“On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on January 6, 2021,” the plaque states. “Their heroism will never be forgotten.”

The Washington Post broke the news of the plaque’s installation, which occurred under the cover of darkness early Saturday morning. It marks the first official commemoration of the tumultuous day at the Capitol.

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina spearheaded the recent push for the plaque, reflecting on his memories of hearing the mob breach the building during a Senate floor session in January. “We owe them eternal gratitude, and this nation is stronger because of them,” he remarked, acknowledging the officers who faced the overwhelming force of Trump supporters yet managed to reclaim the Capitol.

The insurgents, driven by unfounded claims of electoral fraud from former President Donald Trump, delayed the certification of Joe Biden’s victory, causing chaos and destruction before police restored order. Over 140 officers were injured in the melee, representing multiple law enforcement agencies.

The push for the plaque was reignited amid Trump’s return to political prominence and the GOP’s allegiance to him. Despite Trump’s characterization of January 6 as a “day of love,” many Republicans have minimized the day’s violence, complicating efforts to install the plaque.

3 years of delays

Legislation passed in 2022 mandated the plaque’s creation, listing the names of officers who responded to the violence, with a one-year installation timeline. However, delays persisted.

Frustrated Democrats, questioning the plaque’s absence, erected replicas outside their offices, demanding action from GOP leadership.

After prolonged silence and a lawsuit from two participating officers, House Speaker Johnson’s office declared the statute “not implementable,” citing non-compliance issues with proposed alternatives.

Tillis responded by successfully passing a resolution to place the plaque in the Senate, facing no opposition from fellow senators.

Officers object

Officer Daniel Hodges, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, expressed dissatisfaction with the plaque’s placement, noting it fell short of legal requirements.

Hodges, who suffered injuries during the siege, emphasized the plaque’s positioning near, rather than on, the West Front of the Capitol and the absence of officers’ names on the plaque itself. A QR code nearby links to a document listing the responding officers.

“The weight of a judicial ruling would help secure the memorial against future tampering,” Hodges noted, affirming the lawsuit’s continuation.

Hodges and former officer Harry Dunn argue that Congress’s failure to adhere to the law effectively rewrites history, diminishing the officers’ role.

“It suggests that the officers are not worthy of being recognized because Congress refuses to recognize them,” their lawsuit claims.

The Justice Department has moved to dismiss the case, arguing Congress has recognized the officers’ service by authorizing the plaque.

Memories of the day

More than 1,500 individuals faced charges following the insurrection, marking one of the largest federal prosecutions in U.S. history. Upon regaining the presidency in 2025, Trump pardoned all involved within hours.

Officers like Hodges and Dunn, who have recounted their experiences publicly, have faced criticism and threats from Trump’s supporters, who accuse them of fabricating stories. Many officers continue to struggle with the psychological impacts.

The lawsuit notes that “both men live with psychic injuries from that day, compounded by their government’s refusal to recognize their service.”

Rep. Adriano Espaillat, a leading Democrat overseeing the legislative branch’s budget, asserted, “our Capitol Police deserve more” and vowed to continue advocating for proper acknowledgment.

“Make no mistake: they did this at 4AM so no one would see, no ceremony, no real recognition,” Espaillat stated on X.

Rep. Joe Morelle, another top Democrat, expressed satisfaction with the plaque’s presence, stating, “Whether some people like it or not, the record of that day is now part of this building.”

Associated Press contributor Allison Robbert contributed to this report.