Profile in Courage – Officer Eugene Goodman

Photo Credit: New York Times

Over the course of the past year, we’ve documented plenty of Profiles in Courage who have bettered countless lives. These exemplary men and women have found cures to deadly diseases, helped Americans stay connected to internet services during a pandemic, and given back to the most vulnerable members of society. Yet this month’s Profile in Courage – Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman – may be the most courageous of all. On the fateful day of January 6, 2021, Officer Goodman diverted an angry mob of insurrectionists away from lawmakers, buying members of Congress precious time to escape to designated hiding locations. And, for protecting hundreds from an angry mob of lawbreakers, Goodman is truly a Profile in Courage.

Watching footage of Officer Goodman diverting the mob from Senate chambers, it’s clear that Goodman is an experienced officer capable of thinking on his feet in high pressure situations. This particular set of skills stems from Goodman’s four years as an infantryman in the army. According to Military.com, “He deployed to Iraq with 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), from 2005 to 2006. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Army Good Conduct Medal.” Whether in or out of the military, Goodman gained a reputation as someone ready to unflinchingly put their life on the line to protect others. After hearing about Goodman’s actions on January 6, a friend of his responded, “I’ve always said, if bullets start ripping through, I’m finding Goodman. He’s been in hostile firefights, so he knows how to keep his head.”

In chaotic situations such as the Capitol Riot, it is easy to be overwhelmed and take the path of least resistance from the perpetrators. Instead, Goodman strategically backed up as the “protestors” stormed the Capitol and started up a flight of stairs leading to Senate chambers. Knowing that the chambers lie to one side of the top of the stairs, he was determined to bait the mob to head in the other direction. To accomplish that aim, he gently pushed the man leading the mob. This move reflected restraint – designed to prevent loss of life and/or injury – and succeeded in getting the throng to pursue Goodman instead of heading toward the chambers. Shortly after Goodman lured the insurrectionists away from lawmakers, the Senate doors were sealed which gave lawmakers the opportunity to seek refuge. And, during this tense standoff, Goodman managed to stay in communication with fellow officers to describe the situation and obtain backup.

One can only imagine all the things that were going on in Officer Goodman’s mind as he engaged in the flight and fight of his life. In addition to trying to maintain balance between restraint, strategic movement, and constant communication, Goodman was grappling with a vicious bunch who brought racist flags and symbols with them. As New York Law School professor and former NYPD detective Kirk Burkhalter notes, it usually “doesn’t end up well for Black folks” when they’re being chased by angry White people carrying Confederate flags and donning Nazi shirts. Despite this terrifying context and sequence of events, Officer Goodman was able to keep composure and avert a substantial loss of life.

Fortunately, Goodman’s actions haven’t gone unnoticed. A bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced a bill to award the officer a Congressional Gold Medal for his bravery and service to America. Plenty of media outlets have written about the man and his selfless quest. Goodman puts matters simply: “My job is to protect and serve. And on that day, I was protecting.” And for protecting scores of lawmakers and democracy itself during an exceptionally dark day in our history, Officer Eugene Goodman is undoubtably a Profile in Courage.