Footage shows First Lady Jill Biden leading President Biden off stage after his speech on Trump’s threat to democracy on Friday. A Capitol Police officer who was on duty during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot announced on Friday that he is running for Congress in Maryland.
Harry Dunn, a 40-year-old Capitol police officer, revealed his candidacy for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, a heavily Democratic jurisdiction that stretches between Baltimore and the nation’s capital. Dunn, who received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Biden last year, made his announcement a day before the three-year anniversary of the Capitol riot.
In his campaign announcement video, Dunn emphasized his dedication to protecting democracy and criticized politicians who supported the insurrection. He stated, “On this day, my role was as a Capitol police officer. I’m Harry Dunn. And that meant putting aside who I am – a father, a Marylander, a Democrat – because I swore an oath to protect our Constitution, to protect our democracy. It’s what allowed me to protect some members of Congress who I knew were bigots who helped fan the flames that started all of this.”
Dunn expressed his disappointment in politicians who voted to acquit Trump and denied the violence and trauma experienced by his fellow officers. He highlighted his decision to leave the police force after 15 years of service to run for Congress, emphasizing the importance of preventing such an event from happening again.
The Jan. 6 committee, which Dunn testified before, continues its investigation into the events of that day. Over 1,230 individuals have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the riot, with the charges ranging from misdemeanor offenses to felonies. Testifying before the committee, Dunn recounted the disturbing statements made by rioters, demonstrating their belief in Trump’s claims of election fraud.
Dunn’s decision to enter politics comes as Rep. John Sarbanes, the current representative for Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District, announced that he would not seek reelection. Sarbanes has served nine terms, and his departure is part of a larger trend of Democrats and Republicans deciding not to run for another term.
As Dunn joins a crowded Democratic primary, he aims to bring his experience and commitment to protecting democracy to Congress. His campaign announcement video and previous appearances before the Jan. 6 committee have garnered attention, highlighting his dedication to public service.
The FBI continues its search for the Jan. 6 pipe bomb suspect, offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to their arrest. The investigation into the Capitol riot remains ongoing as authorities seek justice for the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
