Capitol Police veteran Harry Dunn enters congressional race
Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn seeks to transition from a prominent voice in the aftermath of the January 6 attack to a new role: Congressman, aiming to reclaim the US Capitol
Former US Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, known for his role during the January 6th attack and subsequent testimony to the House January 6 select committee, has confirmed to CNN that he is running for Congressman in Maryland's 3rd Congressional District.
Dunn, along with a few other officers, has openly discussed the violence they endured on that day and the enduring impact it had on them.
"Clearly, on January 6th, I witnessed an attack on democracy," Dunn told CNN. "It's not an overstatement to say that our democracy as we know it is just one election away from extinction."
Dunn, who served as a Capitol Police officer for 15 years, continued working until he recently resigned, citing concerns about the possibility of former President Donald Trump's reelection. "I believe that I've done everything I could in my capacity as a Capitol Police Officer to fight for accountability, justice, and to protect our democracy," Dunn stated.
Dunn has also held Trump responsible for the Capitol insurrection and has expressed his determination to use his position as a congressman to hold him accountable. He stated, "I want to do everything in my power to fight back against him."
During his testimony to the January 6 committee in July 2021, Dunn described the harrowing scenes of violence and chaos that he witnessed alongside DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, DC Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges, and Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell. "Capitol Police officers and Metropolitan Police officers, MPD, were engaged in desperate hand-to-hand fighting with rioters across the west lawn," Dunn recounted. "I witnessed the rioters using all kinds of weapons against officers, including flagpoles, metal bike racks that they had torn apart, and various kinds of projectiles. Many were screaming, and many were blinded and coughing from chemical irritants being sprayed in their faces."
Dunn spoke about the racist insults directed at him on January 6 by the rioters, stating that over 20 people hurled racial slurs at him, and one woman shouted, "This [slur] voted for Joe Biden!"
"A number of us Black officers faced a unique struggle compared to everyone else," Dunn said. "That's when I asked, Is this America? and I couldn't help but cry. Tears were streaming down my face. Is this America?"
In December 2022, Dunn was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal and then received the Presidential Citizens Medal on January 6, 2023, two years following the attack. After Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes announced he would not seek reelection in October, Dunn hinted at a potential run for Congress. "I see there's going to be an open Congressional seat in Maryland," Dunn posted on X, accompanied by a looking eyes emoji.
Dunn becomes part of a large group of Democratic candidates competing for Sarbanes' seat, which includes Maryland state senators, house delegates, and others. The Democratic primary is scheduled for May 14.
Dunn would become the second member of Congress to have served as a Capitol Hill Police officer if he wins the seat. The first eventually went on to become the Senate majority leader.
Dunn remarked, "The late Harry Reid was a Capitol Police Officer, so I don't mind being second to him."
