On Wednesday (Feb. 10), new security footage was presented during Donald Trump’s impeachment trial that showed Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman potentially saving the life of Sen. Mitt Romney during the Jan. 6 insurrection.
The security video, which was played by House impeachment managers, showed Goodman running as the violent mob started to enter the U.S. Capitol. The officer ran past Romney and redirected him from the rioters’ path. He then continued to the first floor to respond to the breach and divert the mob from where lawmakers were sheltering in place. The newly released video was played in addition to footage showing how the violent rioters entered the Capitol building.
Democratic Del. Stacey Plaskett guided senators through the footage which displayed how close the rioters were to then-Vice President Mike Pence, who was one of their targets. “They were coming at the urging of Donald Trump to keep Congress, a separate branch of government, from certifying the results of a presidential election,” Plaskett said.
Since the insurrection, Goodman has been hailed as a hero for his actions. After the rioters entered the Capitol building, he led them away from the Senate Chamber, which was unguarded.
Several lawmakers have proposed awarding Goodman with a Congressional Gold Medal for saving their lives. “He’s a hero!” Congressman Charlie Crist previously said. “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. 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.”
Last month, Goodman escorted Vice President Kamala Harris to the inauguration ceremony. He was also promoted as the new Deputy House Sergeant at Arms.
Watch the new security footage below.