Pelosi Says Capitol Protectors Will Receive Congressional Gold Medal
WASHINGTON – House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will soon bestow the Congressional Gold Medal on the Capitol Police and other law enforcement personnel who protected the Capitol when it was attacked by rioting Trump supporters on Jan. 6.
In a letter to House members, Pelosi said the bravery members of the law enforcement community exhibited during the siege made them deserving of Congress’s highest civilian honor.
“That day, those men and women risked and gave their lives to save ours, becoming martyrs for our democracy. The outstanding heroism and patriotism of our heroes demand our deepest appreciation,” she wrote.
She also said its important members never forget the sacrifice of Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, who died during the attack, and the more than 140 officers who sustained serious injuries.
Pelosi asked her fellow Democrats to sign on as co-sponsors of the legislation. She did not say when the officers will be honored.
A draft of the Gold Medal legislation can be found here.
In a statement, Acting U.S. Capitol Police Chief Yogananda Pittman said, “To have our police officers’ bravery acknowledged at a time when they’re experiencing tremendous emotions and exhaustion is a gift.
“We have too many heroes to count and we are humbled Congress may recognize them in this way. From the cards and letters of support we’ve received from around this great country to this incredible award, we are deeply humbled and appreciative.”
Pittman went on to acknowledge other law enforcement partners, especially the Metropolitan Police Department, who supported Capitol Police officers “substantially” during the siege.
