Jan 6 Plaque Installed at Capitol, Marking 3 Years of Delay

WASHINGTON — After a three-year delay, a plaque honoring law enforcement officers who defended the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, has been installed, marking a visible reminder of the day’s violent attack and the officers who responded. The installation, which occurred early Saturday morning, comes after a period of political contention and legal challenges surrounding its placement, and reflects a complex reckoning with the events of that day.

A Long-Delayed Recognition

The plaque’s installation fulfills a requirement outlined in a 2022 law, which mandated its erection within a year. But, the process was stalled for over a year, with disagreements between House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate leaders contributing to the delay. The Senate ultimately voted unanimously in January to proceed with the installation after Johnson initially resisted, according to reporting from NBC News. The plaque is located on the Senate side of a hallway near the West Front of the Capitol, where some of the fiercest fighting took place.

The inscription on 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.” It as well lists the various law enforcement agencies involved in the response, including the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

The Context of the Attack and its Aftermath

The January 6th attack on the Capitol unfolded as Congress was in the process of certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. A mob of supporters of then-President Donald Trump, fueled by false claims of a stolen election, breached security barriers and entered the Capitol building. The ensuing chaos led to property damage, injuries to over 140 officers from multiple agencies, and a temporary halt to the certification process. The Associated Press reports that the plaque’s installation is the first official marker commemorating the events of that day.

Following the attack, more than 1,500 individuals were charged with various crimes related to the riot. In January 2025, upon returning to office, President Trump issued pardons to all those charged, a move that drew widespread criticism. The installation of the plaque occurs against this backdrop of ongoing political division and differing interpretations of the events of January 6th.

Legal Challenges and Ongoing Disputes

The delay in installing the plaque prompted legal action from two officers who were present during the attack, Daniel Hodges of the Metropolitan Police Department and Harry Dunn, a former U.S. Capitol Police officer. They filed a lawsuit arguing that the delay constituted a “rewriting of history” and a failure to adequately recognize the sacrifices of the officers who defended the Capitol. The lawsuit, detailed in court documents available here, alleges that Congress was not fulfilling its legal obligation.

The Justice Department has sought to dismiss the case, arguing that Congress had already demonstrated its recognition of the officers’ service through the passage of the law authorizing the plaque. However, Hodges and Dunn maintain that the specific requirements of the law – including the placement of the plaque “on” the West Front and the inclusion of officers’ names – were not met with the current installation, which features a nearby sign with a QR code linking to a list of names.

What the Installation Means for Those Involved

Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) played a key role in pushing for the plaque’s installation, introducing a Senate resolution that ultimately led to its placement. He recalled his experience hearing the sounds of the breach during the attack and emphasized the gratitude owed to the officers.

Officer Hodges expressed a mixed reaction to the installation, describing it as a “fine stopgap” but reiterating his commitment to pursuing the legal case to ensure full compliance with the original law. He and Dunn have both reported experiencing ongoing psychological trauma as a result of the attack and the subsequent criticism and threats they have received from individuals who question their accounts of the events.

The Broader Implications and Future Steps

The installation of the plaque is a symbolic step in acknowledging the events of January 6th and honoring the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol. However, it also underscores the deep political divisions that continue to surround the attack and the ongoing efforts to shape the narrative surrounding it. The legal challenge brought by Hodges and Dunn highlights the importance of adhering to the specific requirements of the law and ensuring that the sacrifices of the officers are fully recognized.

Looking ahead, the Department of Justice will continue to defend its position in the lawsuit, while Hodges and Dunn will press their case for full compliance with the original statute. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for how future memorials and commemorations are handled, and for the extent to which the government is obligated to fulfill the specific terms of commemorative legislation. Further, the events of January 6th continue to be a subject of ongoing investigation and debate, and the installation of this plaque serves as a permanent reminder of a pivotal moment in American history.