Capitol Installs January 6 Memorial Plaque After Years of Delay

The plaque honors the heroism of police officers who defended the Capitol during the 2021 attack.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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A memorial plaque honoring the heroism of police officers during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol has been installed after years of delay. The plaque, which was required by federal law to be installed by 2023, was quietly placed at the West Entrance of the Capitol on Saturday morning without a formal ceremony. The plaque lists the various local police departments and federal agencies that responded that day, and includes a QR code leading to a file with the names of officers who were present.

Why it matters

The installation of the plaque comes after years of delay and amid efforts by some Republicans to downplay or recast the events of January 6. The plaque's placement, which is not open to the public, also highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Capitol attack and efforts to memorialize it.

The details

The plaque, which reads '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,' was installed early Saturday morning without any formal ceremony or remarks. It lists the various local police departments and federal agencies that responded to the attack, and includes a QR code leading to a file with the names of officers who were present.

  • The plaque was required by federal law to be installed by 2023.
  • The plaque was quietly installed on March 9, 2026.

The players

US Capitol Police

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the US Capitol building and grounds.

Donald Trump

The former president whose supporters attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Mike Johnson

The current Speaker of the House, whose direction was needed to install the plaque.

Joe Morelle

The top Democrat on the House Administration Committee, which handles the chamber's administrative functions.

Harry Dunn

A former US Capitol Police officer who sued the Architect of the Capitol to have a memorial installed.

Daniel Hodges

A DC Metropolitan Police officer who also sued the Architect of the Capitol to have a memorial installed.

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What they’re saying

“If Democrats are serious about commemorating the work of USCP officers, they are free to work with the appropriate committees of jurisdiction to develop a framework for proper vetting and consideration.”

— Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House (CNN)

“Speaker Johnson may have tried to bury the January 6 plaque, but it's finally in the Capitol. We fought hard to permanently honor the law enforcement officers who defended us and this institution during a deadly riot incited by the President.”

— Joe Morelle, Top Democrat on the House Administration Committee (CNN)

“(T)hey are not yet within full compliance of the law and the weight of a judicial ruling would help secure the memorial against future tampering. Our lawsuit persists.”

— Daniel Hodges, DC Metropolitan Police Officer (X)

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by former US Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and DC Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges to have a memorial installed continues, as the current plaque is not yet in full compliance with the law.

The takeaway

The installation of the January 6 memorial plaque, after years of delay, highlights the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Capitol attack and the efforts to commemorate the heroism of the law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol that day. The plaque's placement, away from public view, also underscores the challenges in properly memorializing this pivotal moment in US history.