Full Breakdown
Delayed Memorial: Plaque Honoring Capitol Police Finally Installed
3/9/2026, 10:21:48 PM
Background on the Plaque's Installation
A plaque honoring law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021, riot was installed early on March 8, 2026, after a three-year delay. This installation follows a 2022 law that mandated the plaque's placement by March 2023, which had not been fulfilled, leading to criticism and legal action from two police officers involved in the incident. The plaque acknowledges the heroism of the officers and lists various local and federal law enforcement agencies that responded that day.
Key Events Leading to the Installation
The plaque was installed at approximately 4 a.m. on the Senate side of the Capitol, an area not easily accessible to the public. The installation occurred without a formal ceremony, which has drawn criticism from former officers who feel the timing and location undermine the intent of the memorial. The law requiring the plaque was passed by Congress in March 2022, but it remained in storage for years, prompting a lawsuit from former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges.
Official Statements & Responses
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) led the effort to install the plaque, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the officers' bravery. He stated, “We owe them eternal gratitude, and this nation is stronger because of them.” However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) had previously described the law as “not implementable,” which contributed to the delays. In response to the installation, Hodges remarked that while it is a “fine stopgap,” it does not fully comply with the original statute, which specified that all officers' names should be listed.
Criticism & Opposition
The manner of the plaque's installation has been met with significant backlash. Michael Fanone, a former Metropolitan Police officer injured during the riot, criticized the early morning placement, stating, “It’s spitting in the face of every police officer that plaque is intended to honor.” He expressed that the lack of public visibility for the plaque diminishes its intended recognition of the officers' sacrifices. Dunn echoed this sentiment, asserting that the lawsuit would continue until the plaque is displayed in accordance with the law.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the plaque has been installed, there are discrepancies regarding its compliance with the original law. The statute mandated that the plaque include the names of all officers who responded to the riot, a requirement that has not been met. Hodges indicated that a judicial ruling might be necessary to ensure the memorial's future integrity.
What's Next
The ongoing legal battle initiated by Dunn and Hodges seeks to ensure that the plaque is displayed in a manner that fully complies with the law. The judge overseeing the case is expected to make a decision soon regarding the continuation of their lawsuit.
The plaque serves as a reminder of the violent events of January 6, 2021, and the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the insurrection and its aftermath.
