Jan. 6 Capitol Law Enforcement Plaque Missing After Dedication

As the fifth anniversary of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack approaches, the official plaque commemorating law enforcement’s bravery remains missing. Required by law to be displayed at the Capitol, its current status is unclear, with indications suggesting it is in storage.

Missing Jan. 6 Capitol Law Enforcement Plaque

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has not yet formally unveiled the plaque, which was approved by lawmakers in March 2022. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice is attempting to dismiss a lawsuit by police officers advocating for the plaque’s installation.

Historic Significance of the Plaque

The plaque was intended to honor the officers who defended democracy during the Capitol riot. The Architect of the Capitol, responsible for its display, declined to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.

In response to the absence of the official plaque, approximately 100 members of Congress, predominantly Democrats, have created makeshift replicas for display outside their offices. These substitutes serve as a reminder of the events of that day, with inscribed tributes emphasizing the heroism of law enforcement. One reads: “Their heroism will never be forgotten.”

Context of the January 6 Attack

• Five fatalities occurred during the riot, including Trump supporter Ashli Babbitt.
• More than 140 law enforcement officers sustained injuries, with some facing severe consequences later.
• About 1,500 individuals have faced charges, marking this as one of the largest federal prosecutions in U.S. history.

The event has sparked debates about its legacy and consequences. Historian Douglas Brinkley questions whether January 6 will be remembered as a pivotal moment for democracy or merely a peculiar episode in history.

Legislative and Public Responses

While Congressional leaders have suggested the plaque is forthcoming, the refusal to display it has prompted criticism. Officers Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges, who were present during the riot, argue that Congress’s inaction undermines the historical record.

The Department of Justice contends that the existing recognition of law enforcement’s role through the approved plaque suffices, arguing further installations won’t mitigate ongoing threats faced by officers.

Continued Cultural Reflection

Some lawmakers believe it is vital for younger generations to understand the significance of January 6, 2021. Representative Jamie Raskin envisions educational tours at the Capitol to discuss the attack’s implications on American democracy.

In a landscape increasingly polarized, bipartisan efforts to commemorate January 6 have dwindled. As the anniversary approaches, Democrats are planning a hearing on threats to election integrity, while Republicans focus on their own inquiries into the incident.

Despite the absence of the official plaque, the numerous replicas in the Capitol serve as a testament to the ongoing collective remembrance of that day. Representative Joe Morelle emphasized that the makeshift installations, numbering nearly 100, reinforce the need to honor the past and the valor of those who defended democracy.