Long-Delayed Memorial to Capitol Police Installed at U.S. Capitol
– A plaque honoring the Capitol Police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack was quietly installed early this morning, bringing an end to a nearly three-year delay. The installation occurred at approximately 4 a.m., according to reports.
The memorial was mandated by law in 2022, requiring its installation within one year. However, congressional inaction stalled the process, leading to frustration and calls for its completion. The Washington Post first reported the installation, witnessed by a reporter on-site.
Visitors to the Capitol now have a visible reminder of the events of January 6th and the bravery of the officers who responded. The plaque is located steps from the West Front of the Capitol, the area that experienced the most intense violence during the attack.
The installation follows a recent decision by the Senate to move forward independently after House Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly delayed the process. The Senate voted unanimously in January to install the plaque, circumventing the House’s hesitation. Many Republicans had previously expressed reservations about its installation.
The plaque reads, “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. Their heroism will never be forgotten.”
The delay in erecting the plaque had drawn criticism from law enforcement officials and lawmakers who felt it was a disservice to the officers who risked their lives defending the Capitol. The installation marks a significant moment of recognition for their service and sacrifice.
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) was a key advocate for the plaque’s installation, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the attack and sharing his recollections of the day’s events. He remembered hearing the sounds of people breaking into the building.
The installation of the plaque provides a permanent tribute to the officers’ courage and a solemn reminder of the fragility of American democracy. It serves as a symbol of resilience and a commitment to protecting the institutions of government.
The Associated Press reported that Capitol tour guides were observed taking photographs of the newly installed plaque, and tour groups were seen walking past it, acknowledging its significance. The plaque’s placement on the Senate side of the hallway reflects the Senate’s decisive action in ensuring its completion.
