kids encyclopedia robot

Eugene Goodman facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Goodman
P20230106AS-1752 (52644829441) (cropped).jpg
Goodman in 2023
Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate
Acting
January 20, 2021 – March 2, 2021
Sergeant at Arms Jennifer Hemingway (acting)
Preceded by Jennifer Hemingway
Succeeded by Kelly Fado
Personal details
Born 1980 (age 44–45)
Nationality American
Occupation Law enforcement officer
Known for January 6 United States Capitol attack
Awards Presidential Citizens Medal (2023)
Police career
Department Flag of the United States Capitol Police.svg United States Capitol Police
Military career
Allegiance  United States
Service/branch  United States Army
Years of service 2002–2006
Rank Army-USA-OR-05 (Army greens).svg Sergeant
Unit 101st Airborne Division
Battles/wars Iraq War

Eugene Goodman, born in 1980, is a brave officer with the United States Capitol Police. He became well-known for his heroic actions during the Capitol attack in 2021. During this event, he bravely led a group of rioters away from the United States Senate chamber.

Goodman is also a veteran of the U.S. Army. He served during the Iraq War. After his military service, he joined the Capitol Police. From January 20 to March 2, 2021, he served as the Acting Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate.

In February 2021, the Senate voted to give Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards given by the U.S. Congress. On January 6, 2023, President Joe Biden also honored him with the Presidential Citizens Medal.

Early Life and Military Service

Eugene Goodman was born in 1980. He grew up in the southeast part of Washington, D.C..

He joined the United States Army in 2002. He served until 2006. During his time in the Army, he was part of the 101st Airborne Division. He fought in the Iraq War in 2005. As a sergeant, he led a team of ten soldiers. They patrolled areas and found dangerous devices that needed to be removed. His fellow soldiers described him as "calm, cool, and collected."

After leaving the military in 2006, Goodman joined the United States Capitol Police in 2009.

Honors and Recognition

Capitol police officer tossing the first pitch at Nationals Park (cropped)
Goodman was honored at a Washington Nationals baseball game by being invited to throw the first pitch.

After the attack on the Capitol, many people wanted to honor Officer Goodman. They suggested he receive the Congressional Gold Medal. A special proposal was made in the House of Representatives on January 13, 2021. Representatives Charlie Crist, Emanuel Cleaver, and Nancy Mace introduced this idea.

Representative Cleaver said that without Officer Goodman's quick and brave actions, the attack could have been much worse. He believed Goodman saved many lives and protected American democracy.

Goodman also received the Army Distinguished Public Service Medal. This award came from the secretary and chief of staff of the U.S. Army. Many online petitions also asked for him to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

On January 20, 2021, Goodman had another important role. He escorted Kamala Harris to her inauguration as the Vice President of the United States. When he appeared on the inauguration platform, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He was also announced as the Acting Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate.

Awards and Medals

  • Meritorious Civilian Service Award, 2021
  • Presidential Citizens Medal, 2023

On February 12, 2021, the U.S. Senate voted to give Eugene Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal. He was in the Senate Chamber for the vote and received a standing ovation from the senators. Later, in August 2021, both parts of Congress agreed to give the Congressional Gold Medal to all the Capitol Police and those who protected the Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, the House of Representatives did not pass the specific bill to give Goodman an individual Congressional Gold Medal.

Images for kids

  • Eugene Goodman award

    Goodman receives the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award (from left: Senator Amy Klobuchar, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, Goodman, and Senator Roy Blunt).

  • 210225-D-WD757-1946 (50981295537)

    Goodman's Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

  • P20230106AS-1752 (52644829441)

    President Biden presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Goodman during a ceremony on 6 January 2023 in the East Room of the White House.

  • Presidential Citizens Medal

    Presidential Citizens Medal.

See Also

  • Kevin Vickers – A Canadian official who also helped stop an attack at Parliament Hill in Ottawa in 2014.
kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Eugene Goodman Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.