Lawmakers give standing ovation for Officer Eugene Goodman

Lawmakers in the Senate chamber on Friday gave Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman a standing ovation following the question and answer session of former President Trump’s impeachment trial.

Following senators’ questions posed to both the House impeachment managers and Trump’s legal team, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) took to the floor and announced that he would ask the chamber to pass legislation to award Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal.

“In the weeks after the attack on January the 6th, the world learned about the incredible, incredible bravery of officer Goodman on that fateful day. Here in this trial, we saw new video, powerful video showing calmness under pressure — his courage in the line of duty, his foresight in the midst of chaos, and his willingness to make himself a target of the mob’s rage so that others might reach safety,” Schumer said.

“Officer Goodman is in the chamber tonight. Officer Goodman, thank you,” Schumer continued, gesturing to the officer.

As Schumer introduced the Goodman, lawmakers present in the chamber turned toward him to give him a standing ovation.

“Officer Goodman is in the chamber tonight. Officer Goodman, thank you!” pic.twitter.com/xaLdMKbwIJ

— CSPAN (@cspan) February 12, 2021

Following the recognition from members of the Senate, House and staff, Schumer went on to state that during the first four days of the impeachment trial the nation got to see the heroic actions of various members of law enforcement, including Capitol Police and D.C. Metropolitan Police.

Goodman gained national recognition after footage posted to social media showed the officer leading a group of pro-Trump rioters up a staircase and away from an immediate entrance to the Senate chamber during the Capitol riot.

Additional footage released by House impeachment managers during the Senate trial earlier this week also showed Goodman running down a hallway and redirecting Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) away from rioters. 

Goodman was asked in January to escort Vice President Harris as her security detail during President Biden’s inauguration following the Capitol riot.