The Role and Challenges of the Capitol Police with Harry Dunn and Patt Morrison
October 21, 2024 | Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn with Patt Morrision | A Harrowing Account of January 6 and Thoughts About January 2025 – Summary Prepared by JUDJ Team
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, former Capitol Police officer and author Harry Dunn shared his powerful perspective on one of the darkest days in modern American history, January 6, 2021. Dunn, a veteran officer with over 15 years on the Capitol Police force, recounted his experience during the insurrection and the toll it has taken on him and his fellow officers. His book, Standing My Ground, explores the personal and professional challenges he faced that day and his ongoing fight for accountability and transparency in the aftermath. This interview sheds light on the vital but often misunderstood role of the Capitol Police and the lasting impact of January 6 on those who were there to defend the Capitol.
The Mission of the Capitol Police and Public Misconceptions
Dunn began by explaining the Capitol Police’s mission: to create a safe, secure environment for Congress to fulfill its constitutional duties. Many Americans didn’t even know the Capitol Police existed until January 6, and even fewer understood their critical role in safeguarding the heart of American democracy. Dunn emphasized that, unlike other federal buildings, the Capitol is known as “the people’s house,” where members of the public can meet their representatives. The force’s duties extend beyond the Capitol, involving dignitary protection, routine patrols, and responding to everyday incidents.
However, January 6 was different. Capitol Police officers were outnumbered by thousands of rioters intent on halting the certification of the 2020 presidential election. Unlike other large gatherings and protests, this event quickly turned violent. As Dunn noted, they were facing unprecedented aggression and chaos, putting their lives and the lives of those they protected at risk.
A Scene from a Movie—But Real Life
Dunn described the intensity of the scene when he arrived on the Capitol’s west side. It was, he said, like “a scene from a Gladiator movie.” The area was packed with rioters, flags waving as people shouted, beat officers, and forcefully pushed forward in what Dunn described as an “onslaught.” Unlike previous demonstrations he’d witnessed, this crowd seemed unified in their mission to breach the Capitol at any cost. For the officers on duty, the attack felt surreal and deeply unsettling.
Despite being armed, Dunn chose not to engage the crowd directly, mindful of the volatile situation. He explained that deploying weapons would have put him and others in even greater danger, given the crowd’s size and aggression. He saw restraint not just as a tactical decision but as a matter of survival, underscoring the intense pressure Capitol Police faced that day to defend both the Capitol and themselves.
The Emotional and Physical Toll on Officers
The impact of January 6 has been far-reaching for Capitol Police officers. In the months following the insurrection, multiple officers died by suicide, a stark reminder of the unseen toll on their mental health. Dunn himself has grappled with post-traumatic stress and speaks openly about the ongoing struggle for recovery among his colleagues.
This mental toll is heightened by what Dunn describes as a sense of betrayal. The Capitol Police were there to protect the nation’s legislative core, yet many public figures quickly downplayed the severity of the attack. Even some political leaders whom the officers had protected shifted their narratives, framing the insurrection as a peaceful protest or “a day of love.” Dunn shared his frustration with these dismissals, noting how they trivialize the trauma that officers continue to face and minimize the sacrifice of those who risked everything to protect the Capitol.
Facing Racism Among Rioters and Within Law Enforcement
In a sobering part of the interview, Dunn discussed how the insurrection included a disturbing element of racial hostility. He had never, in his years of service, been called a racial slur until that day. Dunn, along with other officers of color, faced a unique layer of abuse that went beyond physical violence. He recounted hearing racist insults from rioters and saw minority officers being targeted in particular. Dunn doesn’t characterize January 6 as a purely racist event, but he is clear that there was a significant undercurrent of racial hostility present.
Dunn also reflected on the actions of some Capitol Police officers who sympathized with the rioters, including one who took a selfie with them. He believes that fear and survival instincts drove some of these actions, but their behavior remains a painful reminder of how deeply divided the country is.
Continuing the Fight for Accountability
In the years since January 6, Dunn has become a vocal advocate for truth and accountability. He speaks out not only to honor his fellow officers but to ensure the events of that day aren’t forgotten or rewritten. Despite the personal cost—disciplinary measures and media scrutiny—he is committed to telling the story of January 6 and advocating for those who stood their ground.
The Capitol Police may be a small force, but their role on January 6 proved crucial to upholding democracy. Harry Dunn’s story reminds us of the sacrifices officers make, the challenges they face, and the resilience required to protect the heart of America. Through his words and actions, Dunn continues to serve his country, determined to ensure that history remembers the truth.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.