Sinema cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would award the Congressional Gold Medal to Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman, whose heroic actions protected the U.S. Senate during Capitol insurrection
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema cosponsored bipartisan legislation that would award U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman with the Congressional Gold Medal—the highest expression of national appreciation given by the U.S. Congress; Officer Goodman bravely prevented insurrectionists from accessing the Senate chamber before Senators and staff could safely escape on January 6th.
“I’m forever grateful for Officer Eugene Goodman’s service to our country and his defense of hundreds of lives. His bravery in the face of danger warrants the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Sinema.
Sinema personally thanked Officer Goodman—who currently serves as Acting Deputy Senate Sergeant at Arms—for his bravery and service. While Officer Goodman was directing the mob away from the Senate Chamber, Sinema was defending Arizona’s election in a Senate speech. Shortly after concluding her speech, the Senate was notified of the breach, and thanks to Officer Goodman’s bravery, the Senate was safely vacated before the insurrectionists reached the chamber—saving well over 100 American lives that day.
President George Washington was the first recipient of this honor.