Jan. 6 Plaque Honoring Capitol Police Finally Installed at US Capitol

Visitors to the U.S. Capitol can now view a newly installed plaque honoring the law enforcement officers who defended the building during the January 6, 2021, attack. The installation, completed quietly in the early hours of Saturday, March 7, 2026, comes three years after it was mandated by law, and after a period of political contention surrounding its placement. The plaque 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. Their heroism will never be forgotten.”

The plaque’s location, steps from the West Front where much of the fighting occurred, is itself a point of recent negotiation. It was ultimately placed on the Senate side of a hallway after the Senate unanimously voted to install it, following delays attributed to House Speaker Mike Johnson. The Washington Post reported witnessing the installation around 4 a.m. EST, noting that two employees were working overnight to bolt the plaque to the wall.

This installation marks the first official memorial recognizing the events of that day, during which more than 150 officers were injured. Tragically, five officers who served at the Capitol died in the days and weeks following the attack. The plaque’s arrival is a significant moment, particularly given the ongoing debate surrounding the events of January 6th and the attempts to contextualize – or downplay – the severity of the day.

A Delayed Tribute and Lingering Disputes

The path to installing this plaque was far from straightforward. Congress passed legislation in 2022 requiring the honorific plaque, setting a one-year deadline. That deadline passed without action, prompting frustration from Democrats who erected replica plaques outside their offices and called for an explanation. The delay coincided with Donald Trump’s return to office and a Republican Congress largely aligned with him.

Trump, who has repeatedly characterized January 6th as a “day of love,” has sought to deflect blame for the attack, even suggesting that Democrats and police instigated the violence. Many Republicans in Congress have echoed this sentiment, minimizing the gravity of the events. Following his second inauguration, Trump pardoned over 1,500 individuals convicted or charged in connection with the attack, including those convicted of violent crimes against law enforcement and seditious conspiracy.

Speaker Johnson initially claimed the statute authorizing the plaque was “not implementable” and that proposed alternatives were too non-compliant. However, Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., spearheaded a recent effort to overcome these obstacles, commemorating the fifth anniversary of the attack on the Senate floor and emphasizing the gratitude owed to the officers. He secured a resolution with no objections to place the plaque on the Senate side.

Legal Challenges and Ongoing Advocacy

Despite the installation, the story isn’t fully resolved. Daniel Hodges, a Metropolitan Police Department officer who was severely injured during the riot, filed a lawsuit alongside former U.S. Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn. They argued that Congress was “rewriting history” by failing to adhere to the original law. The original statute specified the plaque should be placed “on” the west front of the Capitol and include the names of the officers. The current installation features a nearby sign with a QR code linking to a 45-page document listing the names of responding officers.

Hodges, who has grow a vocal advocate against what he perceives as the downplaying of January 6th, told CBS News that the lawsuit would continue. He described the overnight installation as a “fine stopgap” but not fully compliant with the law. He believes a judicial ruling is necessary to secure the memorial against future alterations. Hodges and Dunn’s lawsuit alleges that Congress’s actions suggest the officers are “not worthy of being recognized.”

The Justice Department has sought to dismiss the case, arguing that Congress has already publicly recognized law enforcement’s service through the plaque’s approval. However, Hodges and other officers who have shared their experiences have faced criticism and threats from Trump supporters who accuse them of dishonesty.

The Broader Context of January 6th

The events of January 6th stemmed from a mob of rioters who breached security barriers and entered the Capitol building, fueled by then-President Trump’s false claims of a stolen election following his defeat by Joe Biden. The crowd disrupted the congressional certification of Biden’s victory, forcing lawmakers to evacuate and causing significant damage to the building before police regained control. As NBC News reported, the plaque’s installation follows years of debate and delay.

The installation of the plaque arrives as the nation continues to grapple with the legacy of January 6th. The incident remains a deeply divisive issue, with ongoing political ramifications and a continuing necessitate for accountability and remembrance. New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat criticized the timing of the installation, posting on X that it was done at 4 a.m. To avoid public scrutiny and recognition.

What’s Next for the January 6th Memorial

The legal challenge brought by Hodges and Dunn remains active, potentially leading to further court proceedings and a possible ruling on the plaque’s placement and design. The outcome of this lawsuit could determine whether the memorial fully complies with the original congressional intent. Beyond the legal aspects, the plaque serves as a permanent, if belated, reminder of the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers on January 6th, and a focal point for continued reflection on that pivotal day in American history. The ongoing advocacy of officers like Hodges ensures that the full story of January 6th – and the courage of those who defended the Capitol – will not be forgotten.