Key Takeaways:
- Two police officers are suing the federal government for not installing a memorial for those who protected the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, protest.
- Congress ordered the memorial years ago, but it’s still not built.
- The officers claim the delay is a attempt to rewrite history and erase their sacrifices.
- Many officers were injured that day, and some protesters caused damage.
A Memorial Delayed: Officers Demand Recognition
On Jan. 6, 2021, chaos erupted in Washington as a large group of protesters stormed the U.S. Capitol. Some broke the law, and others clashed with police. Despite the danger, law enforcement officers Greeted the crowd, protecting lawmakers and the building. Now, two of those officers are suing the government for not honoring their bravery.
The lawsuit was filed by Daniel Hodges, a Metropolitan Police Department officer, and Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer. They accuse the government of ignoring a law passed by Congress to build a memorial for officers who defended the Capitol that day. The memorial was supposed to be finished two years ago, but nothing has been done.
Hodges and Dunn are upset because they believe the delay is intentional. They say it’s part of an effort by former President Donald Trump and his supporters in Congress to downplay the violence that happened on Jan. 6.
What Happened on Jan. 6, 2021?
The Jan. 6 protest started as a rally supporting Trump. Some people in the crowd became violent, breaking into the Capitol and causing damage. Officers tried to stop them, but some security doors were opened, letting protesters inside.
During the chaos, Hodges had his gas mask ripped off, and his helmet was knocked off. Dunn, who is Black, was yelled at with racial slurs. Both officers say they still suffer mentally from what happened that day.
The violence left several officers injured, and some later took their own lives. Ashli Babbitt, a protester, was shot and killed by a police officer while trying to enter a restricted area. Her family recently settled a lawsuit with the government for $5 million.
Hundreds of protesters were arrested and charged with crimes. Some spent years in jail waiting for their trials. But when Trump returned to office, he pardoned many of them on his first day.
The Fight for a Memorial
In 2022, Congress passed a law requiring the Architect of the Capitol to build a memorial for the officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6. The deadline for the project passed two years ago, but the memorial has not been built.
Hodges and Dunn say the government’s inaction shows a lack of respect for their service. They are asking a judge to force Congress to follow the law and build the memorial.
The officers also believe the delay is about politics. They say Trump and his allies want to change the story of what happened on Jan. 6.
The Emotional Toll on Officers
Both Hodges and Dunn have been vocal about their experiences. They say the government’s failure to recognize their work has made their emotional wounds worse.
Hodges describes the protest as a traumatic event that still haunts him. Dunn says the racial slurs he heard that day left him feeling betrayed.
The officers are not just fighting for a memorial. They’re also fighting to make sure the truth about what happened on Jan. 6 is not forgotten.
Why This Matters
Memorials are important because they honor the people who made sacrifices for others. For the officers who defended the Capitol, the memorial would serve as a reminder of their bravery.
But the delay in building the memorial has sparked a larger debate. Some people believe the government is trying to erase the history of that day. Others think the delay is just another example of political games in Washington.
Whatever the reason, Hodges and Dunn are determined to keep fighting. They want the government to admit what happened on Jan. 6 and honor those who tried to stop the violence.
Conclusion
The lawsuit filed by Hodges and Dunn is about more than just a memorial. It’s about making sure the government takes responsibility for protecting its employees and honoring their service.
The events of Jan. 6, 2021, were complex and divisive. But one thing is clear: the officers who defended the Capitol that day deserve to be remembered.
As the legal battle continues, one question remains: Will the government ever build the memorial, or will it remain another broken promise?