Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) joined with her colleagues in the House to unanimously pass bipartisan legislation she cosponsored awarding Congressional Gold Medals, the highest award issued by Congress, to members of the U.S. Capitol Police and the Washington Metropolitan Police Department for their heroic acts during the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“Nearly 70 days after the insurrection at the United States Capitol, the sights, sounds and footage from that dark day remain fresh in my head. I can only imagine how difficult it must still be for the officers who fought for hours on the front lines to defend our Democracy and save the lives of everyone at the Capitol,” said Congresswoman Trahan. “Nothing will ever repay the incredible debt of gratitude we owe each of them for their heroism in the face of overwhelming danger, but awarding them the Congressional Gold Medal – the highest honor Congress can bestow – is a start. I continue to wake up each morning thankful that we have heroes like them protecting us, and I mourn for the families of Brian Sicknick and Howie Leibengood, who made the ultimate sacrifice in our defense.”

During the January 6th attack, thousands of insurrectionists used violence and brute force to overwhelm Capitol Police officers doing everything in their power to protect the seat of American democracy. Metropolitan Police officers responded to aid Capitol Police as they worked to secure the Capitol and save the lives of members of Congress, staffers, and support staff. Footage and reports show that officers were beaten and stabbed for upholding their oaths to protect the Capitol building. As a result of the violence, more than 140 members of law enforcement were injured, 15 were hospitalized, and 2 died.

The legislation passed today will award a Congressional Gold Medal to the Capitol Police Department and Metropolitan Police Department for the heroic actions their officers took to defend the Capitol, save lives, and ensure that democracy prevailed on one of the darkest days in American history.

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