In a continuation of last week’s Lemonade of the Week, I wanted to recognize one other person who made a lifesaving decision during the Capitol Riots at great danger to himself
Eugene Goodman, an Army veteran and officer with the Capitol Police initially encountered the rioters on the first floor and attempted to hold them off. Realizing he was out numbered, he called for backup and led them up the stairs where reinforcement was waiting, all the while telling the rioters to back up. When he gets to the top of the stairs, he realizes an unguarded door that leads to the Senate floor was open. Acting quickly and keeping the focus of the rioters on him, he heads in the opposite direction from that door, allowing time for it to be bolted. Making that split second decision undoubtably saved people from injury and possibly death. He also led them directly into the hands of his reinforcements.
See the video here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eugene-goodman-us-capitol-riots-police-officer-senate-chamber/
There are two things that struck me about the entire response by Officer Goodman. First, he never drew his weapon even though he was outnumbered and didn’t use force during the encounter, save for pushing the lead aggressor back once. And second, he has chosen not to engage the media, preferring to keep his privacy intact over fame – a rare and admirable quality.
A bill has been introduced to award him the Congressional Gold Medal. I think that is the least that he deserves, and I hope that his privacy is respected.
I raise a glass in his honor.
My Lemons My Lemonade 
I totally agree with your post. This is a man we should all be looking up to as the example of how to live our lives. He should be the moral compass of our society. Responding with violence to violence is not the answer. Before anyone jumps on this statement, let me add this….there are many situations when the only response is violence, for example protecting your life/family, etc. There are no black and white answers only grey areas. The animals (not worthy of being called human beings/people) that choose to riot, should be prosecuted to the fullest extend of the law under the Patriot Act – they ARE domestic terrorists.
Office Goodman is the type of individual that I would want in my corner. Let’s hope that his heroic act is rewarded appropriately. While I understand his desire to not go forward in the media, let’s keep his values and patriotism alive and teach our children a better way.
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I have read some comments that the reason he didn’t pull his gun was because he had limited ammo and a huge crowd. I think while that may have been a part of it, he use of restraint should be noted.
Only time will tell what justice will be served. But Officer Goodman definitely deserves recognition for his brave actions that day.
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