WASHINGTON — Video shown during Wednesday’s impeachment hearing revealed once again that D.C.’s own Eugene Goodman was instrumental in saving the lives of sheltering Congress people.
Footage shows that Senator Mitt Romney was headed directly toward the mob, until Officer Goodman caught him and turned him around, sending him running in the opposite direction. Goodman, present at Wednesday’s hearing, hasn’t spoken publicly about that day. Not surprising. Quiet strength, that’s a DC thing.
After viewing the video, Senator Romney told reporters he was fortunate that Officer Goodman was there to get him going in the right direction. Romney, who didn’t know that it was Goodman who directed him, said he looks forward to thanking him the next time he sees him.
That would be nice, but can we get this man a medal? He is truly a hero.
Goodman became a national hero after video shot by HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic showed his response to rioters climbing the stairs near an entrance to the U.S. Senate chamber. With no other officers to be seen, he takes a half step to his left at the top of the stairs, then walks to the right, away from the chamber. The mob follows him into a room where other officers wait.
A bill to award Officer Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest civilian award given out by Congress – is sponsored by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and others.
The Congressional Gold Medal has been awarded 168 times in 244 years. It’s first recipient was General George Washington in 1776. The honor has never gone to a law enforcement officer for bravery in the line of duty.
During the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Goodman was selected as a security escort for Harris.