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Eugene Goodman
P20230106AS-1752 (52644829441).jpg
Goodman (left) receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal from US President Joe Biden 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 an American United States Capitol Police officer. He became well-known for his brave actions during the attack on the U.S. Capitol in 2021. He helped protect the United States Senate chamber from people who broke into the building.

Goodman is also a U.S. Army veteran. He served in the military during the Iraq War. From January to March 2021, he was the Acting Deputy Sergeant at Arms of the United States Senate. This is a high-ranking officer role in the U.S. Senate.

In February 2021, the Senate voted to give Goodman the Congressional Gold Medal. This is one of the highest awards given to civilians. On January 6, 2023, President Joe Biden also gave him 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 and served until 2006. During his time in the Army, he fought in the Iraq War. In 2005, as a sergeant, Goodman led a team of ten soldiers in Iraq. His team found and helped safely remove hidden bombs. People who served with him said he was always "calm, cool, and collected."

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

Honors and Awards

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

After the attack on the Capitol, many people wanted to honor Goodman. They asked for him to receive the Congressional Gold Medal. This special award is given by Congress for outstanding service.

Some members of Congress introduced a bill to give him this medal. One of them, Representative Emanuel Cleaver, said that Goodman's quick and heroic actions saved many lives. He also said Goodman helped defend American democracy.

Goodman also received the Distinguished Public Service Award. This award came from the leaders of the U.S. Army. People also started online petitions asking for him to get the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This is another very high honor.

Goodman later said he wasn't looking for awards. He was more worried about his safety. But he also said he would "do the same thing again" if he had to.

On January 20, 2021, Goodman had a special role. He escorted Kamala Harris to her inauguration as the Vice President of the United States. When he walked out, the people watching cheered and gave him a standing ovation.

Medals Received

  • 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. Everyone in the Senate agreed. Goodman was there in the Senate Chamber for the vote. The members of the Senate gave him a standing ovation. Later, both parts of Congress agreed to give the Congressional Gold Medal to all the U.S. Capitol Police and others who protected the Capitol on January 6, 2021. However, the House of Representatives did not pass a separate award just for Goodman.

  • Eugene Goodman award

    Goodman receives the Joint Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

  • 210225-D-WD757-1946 (50981295537)

    Goodman's Meritorious Civilian Service Award.

  • P20230106AS-1752 (52644829441)

    President Biden presents the Presidential Citizens Medal to Goodman on January 6, 2023.

  • Presidential Citizens Medal

    Presidential Citizens Medal.

See Also

  • Kevin Vickers – A Canadian officer who helped stop an attack at the Canadian Parliament in 2014.
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