Decorated Capitol police officer throws out first pitch at Nationals game
WASHINGTON - A Capitol police officer whose efforts during the Jan. 6 riot were captured on a viral video was honored once again Friday night when he threw out the first pitch at Nationals Park.
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The Washington Nationals Tweeted Friday night: "Humbled and honored to have American hero Officer Eugene Goodman throw out tonight's first pitch."
The Nationals were playing the New York Mets at home in D.C.
Eugene Goodman – a D.C. native – was celebrated as a hero of the Capitol riot when he was recorded leading a mob away from the Senate chambers with nothing but a baton to defend himself.
"Officer Eugene Goodman’s selfless and quick-thinking actions doubtlessly saved lives and bought security personnel precious time to secure and ultimately evacuate the Senate before the armed mob breached the Chambers," House lawmakers wrote in a resolution introduced to Congress, advocating for Goodman's accolades in January.
Five people died as a result of the riot, in which a mob departed a rally at Freedom Plaza featuring former President Donald Trump to storm the U.S. Capitol.
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During the rally, Trump reiterated claims that the 2020 election had been "stolen" form him.
The rioters attacked D.C. and Capitol police during the incident, and lawmakers barely escaped to a secure location before they infiltrated the Senate chambers, stalling the joint session to certify the results of the 2020 election.
Congress convened again later that night, cementing Joe Biden’s victory.