Eugene Goodman, Black Officer Who Diverted Pro-Trump Mob, Hailed As Hero
By Cherranda Smith
January 11, 2021
Images from the insurrection attack on the US Capitol last Wednesday (January 6) continue to surface, giving a more detailed insight into the harrowing moments a Pro-Trump mob breached the federal building.
The actions of US Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman were captured on video by Huffington Post reporter Igor Bobic and posted to social media. Now, Goodman is being hailed a hero for his quick thinking.
In the now-viral footage, Officer Goodman is single-handedly holding off a mob along a staircase in the Capitol. Goodman notices a man glance towards the doors of the unguarded Senate Chamber. Goodman pushes the man, diverting his attention and ultimately, leading the group away from the Senate.
Goodman’s actions were captured by Bobic at 2:14 p.m., just one minute before the Senate chambers were sealed, according to a report by The Independent.
Looking again at the video I took of the mob storming the Senate, there’s a moment when the lead rioter looks right for a second, before continuing to follow the officer left, away from the immediate entrance to the Senate. This happened at 2:14. pic.twitter.com/8oetsPvhIb
— Igor Bobic (@igorbobic) January 10, 2021
I did not fully grasp what was happening in this footage when I first saw it. Now it seems clear that this officer tricked the mob away from the unguarded door to the Senate, using himself—a Black man—as the bait. He is a national hero. And lucky to be alive. https://t.co/l8RAyXrlk7
— Pamela Colloff (@pamelacolloff) January 10, 2021
Officer Goodman has received accolades from many who recognize the bravery he and other Black Capitol police officers showed on the day of the attack.
Congressman Dean Phillips said in a tweet, “With gratitude and reverence I salute the particular heroism of [B]lack US Capitol Police officers like Officer Eugene Goodman who stared grotesque hatred directly in the eye on Wednesday and demonstrated to the world that their Black Lives Matter.”
That footage of the Black officer running from the mob, was actually that officer outwitting that mob and leading them away from the Senate chamber! Jesus. Black people keep on saving this place, and it’s so unworthy. Give that brother whatever he wants. https://t.co/xjCKEEnAuJ
— Brittney Cooper (@ProfessorCrunk) January 10, 2021
Thank you, Officer Eugene Goodman.
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) January 10, 2021
(📸: @nytimes) pic.twitter.com/PKd1jhueSz
On the day of the attack, Donald Trump posted a video telling the mob “I love you,” and called them “special.” Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick lost his life after succumbing to injuries sustained during the insurrection. Dozens have already been arrested on federal charges for their role in the attack. More arrests may be on the way as an investigation remains underway and the call for Trump’s immediate removal grows louder.
Photo: Getty Images