Jan. 6 plaque honoring police installed in Capitol after long delay at 4 a.m.

On January 6, 2021, police officers faced unprecedented violence as they defended the Capitol against a mob intent on overturning the results of the 2020 presidential election. In the wake of that day, an extensive and often contentious effort ensued to preserve the legacy of the officers who protected the institution at great personal risk. Now, over five years later, a memorial plaque dedicated to these law enforcement officers has been installed at the Capitol, fulfilling a congressional mandate passed in March 2022.

In the early hours of a recent Saturday morning, staff from the Architect of the Capitol affixed a bronze plaque to a granite wall near the west front entrance. This location is significant, situated close to where the chaotic assembly had gathered during the storming of the Capitol. The subtle installation was devoid of official announcements or ceremonial fanfare, conducted quietly amid the stillness of early morning as most of Washington, D.C., remained asleep.

The plaque lists nearly two dozen law enforcement agencies, including the D.C. police, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, and the National Guard. Its long-delayed unveiling serves not only as a tribute to the bravery of those who responded to the insurrection but also as a reflection of the ongoing debate surrounding the events of January 6. While many see the day as a significant challenge to democracy, some political figures have attempted to recast the rioters as victims, complicating public discourse about the attack’s implications.

Congress mandated the plaque’s installation over a year ago, yet it remained in the Capitol basement for much of that time, leading to calls from some lawmakers for its public display. Lawmakers from both parties have acknowledged the integral role of law enforcement during the attack, with a resolution passed unanimously in January 2023 to temporarily place the plaque on the Senate side of the Capitol until a permanent location could be established.

On that fateful day in January, five individuals lost their lives, including Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick, who died following his confrontation with rioters. More than 140 officers were injured, and several officers subsequently took their own lives in the aftermath. The event has since polarized public opinion, with former President Trump labeling January 6 as a “day of love,” despite the subsequent consequences of that day.

Following the installation of the plaque, a QR code affixed nearby allows visitors to access a comprehensive list of the officers who served during the January 6 attack—a list that spans 45 pages. As the mourning for those directly affected by the events of that day continues, the new memorial serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made in defense of American democracy, with hopes of promoting healing and remembrance amid an increasingly divided public discourse.

The recent installation of the plaque marks a crucial step in acknowledging the brave actions of law enforcement and the ongoing challenge of reconciling different narratives surrounding that day. As the nation reflects on the lessons of January 6, officials and citizens alike are urged to honor the efforts of those who placed their lives on the line to protect the Capitol and uphold the principles of democracy.

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