Capitol Installs Jan. 6 Plaque Honoring Police After 3-Year Delay

The plaque commemorates the officers who defended the Capitol during the 2021 attack.

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

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A plaque honoring the police officers who defended the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack has been installed at the Capitol, three years after it was required by law. The plaque was placed on the Senate side of the building after House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., had delayed putting it up. The plaque thanks the officers for their 'extraordinary' and 'heroic' actions in protecting the 'symbol of democracy' on that day.

Why it matters

The installation of the plaque serves as a visible reminder of the violence that occurred on January 6, 2021 and the officers who fought to defend the Capitol. It comes as the political landscape has shifted, with the return of former President Trump to office and continued loyalty to him from the Republican Congress.

The details

The plaque was quietly installed around 4 a.m. EST on Saturday, steps from the Capitol's West Front where the worst of the fighting occurred. It was placed on the Senate side after the Senate voted unanimously in January to install it. The plaque states: 'On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on January 6, 2021. Their heroism will never be forgotten.'

  • The plaque was required by law to be erected within one year after the January 6, 2021 attack.
  • The plaque was finally installed in March 2026, over 3 years after the statutory deadline.

The players

Mike Johnson

Republican House Speaker who had previously delayed putting up the plaque.

Thom Tillis

Republican Senator from North Carolina who led the effort to install the plaque.

Daniel Hodges

Metropolitan Police Officer who was crushed by rioters during the January 6 attack and is continuing a lawsuit over the plaque.

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What they’re saying

“We owe them eternal gratitude, and this nation is stronger because of them.”

— Thom Tillis, U.S. Senator (Associated Press)

“The weight of a judicial ruling would help secure the memorial against future tampering.”

— Daniel Hodges, Metropolitan Police Officer (Associated Press)

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by two of the officers who fought at the Capitol on January 6 will continue, as the plaque does not fully comply with the original statute which called for listing all of the officers' names.

The takeaway

The installation of the plaque, though delayed for years, serves as an important recognition of the brave actions of the police officers who defended the Capitol during the violent attack. However, the ongoing legal battle highlights the continued political tensions surrounding the events of January 6th.