U.S. senate agrees to grant police officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal for his bravery during the capitol riots

US Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer, on Friday February 12, asked the senate to pass legislation to award U.S. Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal for his bravery and service during the Jan. 6 riots that engulfed the capitol building and led to the death of 5 people.

New videos revealed during the Senate impeachment trial this week showed Goodman luring rioters away from senators at his own personal risk.

The videos also showed his calm and composure while under immense pressure as he defended US lawmakers and staff during the riots.

Both Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Friday paid tribute from the Senate floor to Goodman and Capitol Police officers .

The Senate has now voted overwhelmingly to award Goodman the highest honour the Senate body can give an individual.

“Here in this trial, we saw new video, powerful video showing calmness under pressure, his courage in the line of duty, his foresight in the midst of chaos, and his willingness to make himself a target of the mob’s rage so that others might reach safety,” Schumer said.

“Officer Goodman, thank you.”

Goodman was present in the chamber when Schumer introduced the legislation and was given a standing ovation from the entire Senate floor. 

McConnell said he was “proud the Senate is taking this step forward recognizing his heroism with the highest honor we can bestow.”

Brian Sicknick, a Capitol Police officer who died from injuries sustained in the riot, was laid in honor in the Capitol last week. President Joe Biden, as well as congressional leadership and members of the Capitol Police, attended a viewing in the Rotunda.