Full Breakdown
Lawsuit Over January 6 Commemorative Plaque Continues
3/13/2026, 2:47:27 AM
Background on the Lawsuit
Former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges are pursuing a lawsuit against the Architect of the Capitol regarding the placement of a plaque honoring law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack. The plaque was installed on March 7, 2023, after a three-year delay, but its location—near the Capitol's West Front entrance, which is not accessible to the public—has raised concerns about compliance with a 2022 law mandating its prominent display.
Core Event: Installation of the Plaque
The plaque, which reads, "On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on January 6, 2021," was installed quietly in the early hours of March 7, 2023, without any ceremony. The law, passed in March 2022, required the plaque to be displayed in a publicly accessible area of the Capitol, specifically on the western front of the building. Dunn and Hodges argue that the current placement violates both the letter and spirit of the law, as it remains hidden from public view.
Legal Arguments and Official Responses
In their court filing, Dunn and Hodges' attorney, Brendan Ballou, emphasized that the plaque's location is akin to being stored in a basement, as it does not fulfill the law's intent to honor the officers publicly. The lawsuit highlights frustrations over the delay, which Dunn described as part of a broader effort to keep the events of January 6 "literally hidden from the public." House Speaker Mike Johnson's office has contended that the law's requirements were not implementable, citing discrepancies regarding the names of officers versus agencies on the plaque.
Criticism of the Installation Process
Critics, including Democratic representatives, have pointed fingers at Johnson for the plaque's delayed installation. Rep. Joe Morelle, the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee, remarked that Johnson may have attempted to "bury the January 6 plaque," but it has finally been placed in the Capitol. Dunn expressed surprise at the controversy surrounding the honor of police officers, stating, "I never thought honoring police officers would be this controversial."
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the plaque has been installed, there remains contention regarding its compliance with the law. The law mandated a "prominent" display, yet the current location is not accessible to the public. The ongoing lawsuit reflects broader tensions regarding the commemoration of the January 6 events and the political narratives surrounding them.
What's Next
The lawsuit filed by Dunn and Hodges is set to proceed in federal court, where they seek to ensure that the plaque is displayed in accordance with the law. The outcome may have implications for how the events of January 6 are memorialized and recognized within the Capitol.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Honor is a social — that is, public — recognition,” — Brendan Ballou, Attorney for Dunn and Hodges
- “I never thought honoring police officers would be this controversial,” — Harry Dunn, Former Capitol Police Officer
- “Speaker Johnson may have tried to bury the January 6 plaque, but it’s finally in the Capitol. We fought hard to permanently honor the law enforcement officers who defended us and this institution during a deadly riot incited by the President.” — Rep. Joe Morelle, House Administration Committee
