Officer Eugene Goodman Congressional Gold Medal Act

On January 6, 2021, the United States Capitol Building was attacked by armed insurrectionists.

Members of the United States Capitol Police force were overrun and insurrectionists breached the Capitol at multiple points.

Around 2:14 in the afternoon, United States Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman confronted an angry group of insurrectionists who unlawfully entered the Capitol, according to video footage taken by Igor Bobic, a reporter with the Huffington Post.

Officer Goodman, alone, delayed the mob’s advance towards the United States Senate Chamber and alerted his fellow officers to the location of the insurrectionists.

Upon reaching a second floor corridor, Officer Goodman noticed the entrance to the Senate Chamber was unguarded.

As the mob approached, Officer Goodman intentionally diverted attention away from the Senate entrance and led the mob to an alternate location and additional awaiting officers.

At 2:15 in the afternoon, a Washington Post reporter from inside the Senate Chamber noted “Senate sealed” with Senators, staff, and members of the press inside.

Officer Eugene Goodman’s selfless and quick-thinking actions doubtlessly saved lives and bought security personnel precious time to secure and ultimately evacuate the Senate before the armed mob breached the Chamber.

Amidst a shocking, unpatriotic attack on the Capitol, Officer Goodman’s heroism is recognized not only by Members of Congress and staff but also by the people of the United States they represent.

By putting his own life on the line and successfully, single-handedly leading insurrectionists away from the floor of the Senate Chamber, Officer Eugene Goodman performed his duty to protect the Congress with distinction, and by his actions, Officer Goodman left an indelible mark on American history.

Officer Goodman's actions exemplify the heroism of the many men and women who risked their lives to defend the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Presentation authorized— The Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate shall make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on behalf of the Congress, of a gold medal of appropriate design to Officer Eugene Goodman.

National medals— The medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.

Numismatic items— For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all medals struck under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.