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“The United States Capitol was under attack by armed, violent extremists, and Officer Eugene Goodman was the only thing standing between the mob and the United States Senate,” Crist stated in an announcement, in keeping with Business Insider.
“I shudder to think what might have happened had it not been for Officer Goodman’s fast thinking and commitment to his duty and his country,” he continued. “While some will remember last Wednesday for the very worst in our country, the patriotism and heroics of Officer Eugene Goodman renew my faith and remind us all what truly makes the United States great.”
The footage of Goodman’s selfless bravery went viral after being shared by HuffPost reporter Igor Bobic on Twitter. Daily Kos shared the footage and reported that the incident occurred at 2:14 PM. The Senate was closed mere seconds later at 2:15 PM “Just now realizing how much of a close call it was in the Senate,” Bobic tweeted.
Bobic advised Good Morning America on Thursday he was protecting Congress as they have been certifying electoral votes from the presidential election when he heard “a commotion.”
“I ran downstairs to the primary ground of the Senate constructing, the place I encountered this lone police officer courageously making a stand towards the mob of 20 or so Trump supporters who breached the capitol itself and have been making an attempt to get upstairs,” Bobic stated.
In the footage Bobic shared, Goodman wasn’t carrying tactical gear nor did he have his gun out. Yet he shoved the mob chief, recognized as Doug Jenson of Iowa, earlier than operating to seize a baton. At least 20 or extra folks can then be seen chasing the lone officer, who diverted them away from the Senate chamber. “They were yelling ‘Traitors. We want justice. This is our America. If we don’t stop this now, we won’t get justice. Trump won,’” Bobic advised Good Morning America.
“These folks had zip ties,” Kirk D. Burkhalter, a professor at New York Law School and a former New York City police officer, advised The Washington Post, referring to pictures of rioters with zip tie handcuffs. “It’s not unreasonable to say that they were ready to take hostages … Officer Goodman really helped to avoid a tremendous tragedy.”
After the footage went viral, colleagues and associates recognized Goodman. “He’d do the same thing again,” a friend told The Washington Post, noting that Goodman is “not on the lookout for any accolades.”
Officials from the one hundred and first Airborne Division additionally took to Twitter to reward Goodman, noting that he was a hero to the nation years earlier than final week.
According to the Military Times, Goodman served within the Army from 2002 and 2006 and deployed to Iraq for one 12 months with the one hundred and first Airborne Division. His awards embrace a fight infantryman badge.
Other associates of Goodman advised the Post that his choice to steer the rioters away as an alternative of participating with them displays his navy expertise.
“He was diverting people from getting on the Senate floor and getting hostages. It was the smartest thing that he could have ever done,” a colleague stated. “I don’t know that many people who can think on their feet like that … His quick thinking enabled those senators to get to safety.”
Goodman’s capability to not solely lead the rioters away from the Senate Chambers however name for backup and present restraint to stop damage or lack of life pays tribute to his dedication to service and his heroic qualities. Despite his newfound fame, Goodman has remained humble and maintained the identical constructive angle, his colleagues advised the Post.
Goodman’s angle towards his job has remained the identical regardless of his newfound fame.
“My job is to protect and serve,” Goodman advised co-workers after the video of him went viral. “And on that day, I was protecting.”
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