Footage of a lone police officer confronting a group of pro-Trump rioters at the Capitol on Wednesday is garnering widespread attention in light of new details concerning the insurrection.
The video, captured by HuffPost congressional reporter Igor Bobic, initially went viral for showing the moment when the president’s most ardent followers were confronted by U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman after breaching the halls of government.
But a new look at the events that day from the Washington Post suggests that Goodman’s actions may have been even more heroic than previously thought.
Goodman at first can be seen attempting to stop the crowd from further entering the building. Led by a man in a QAnon shirt, who was later arrested for his involvement in the riot, the group continues to advance as Goodman is forced to ascend to the building’s second level.
Upon reaching the second floor, Goodman is seen staring straight into an unguarded corridor leading straight to the Senate chamber. Had Goodman attempted to stop the men from going inside, the insurrectionists would have almost certainly reached the politicians who were working to certify the Electoral College votes.
Given that Trump supporters openly called for the hanging of Vice President Mike Pence, who was in the chamber at the time, the situation could have ended even more deadly than it already did. In total, five people including a police officer died as a result of the riot.
While it remains unclear what exactly was going through Goodman’s mind, it appears as if he may have purposely led the rioters away from the corridor.
Goodman was filmed shoving the group’s apparent leader before seemingly enticing them down the hallway and away from the Senate chambers.
Goodman’s actions, whether or not intentional, may have very well saved not only numerous lives but the democratic process as well.
The officer is now being praised online as a hero for his efforts to defend the Capitol.
“His name is USCP Officer Eugene Goodman,” CNN reporter Kritisin Wilson wrote. “Remember his name. He almost certainly saved lives on Wednesday. My thanks, Officer Goodman. THANK YOU.”
Law enforcement continues to investigate last week’s violent uprising and has already arrested some of the most recognizable participants from the day, many of whom openly advertised their criminal activity on social media.