Wash staffBy: Emma Taylor
Former U.S. Capitol Officer Harry Dunn said he was sitting on his couch eating popcorn when he found out the people who had attacked him four years prior on Jan. 6, 2021, were pardoned for their crimes. This news came as no surprise to Dunn. In fact, Dunn had more concerns for the people who were surprised by the president’s 1,500 pardons.
Washington Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges shared the same sentiment, feeling it was “obviously coming” and was “unsurprised” by the news.
The two reflected on their experiences working at the Capitol on Jan. 6 and President Trump’s pardons in a panel hosted by American University’s School of Communication and Kennedy Political Union last night. Dunn said he felt Trump made it “very clear” on Jan. 7 when he did nothing to condemn the Capitol’s attackers. Then, Trump had promised to pardon rioters while on the campaign trail for the 2024 election.
Both officers have been outspoken on their perspectives on the Jan. 6 attacks. In an interview with the New York Times, Dunn said his fists were bloody from throwing punches at the rioters. Hodges was shown in a viral video being crushed in a revolving door.
Hodges and Dunn have used the platform they’ve gained from their virality and firsthand accounts to spread their perspective on the event and combat misinformation and conspiracies stemming from Jan. 6.
“[Jan. 6] is still tragically relevant,” said Hodges. “[People] are perpetuating this idea of collective violence as a valid tool.”
Dunn said he wishes he hadn’t had to speak on Jan. 6, four years later, but the event’s relevance continues. Hodges added that people look to Trump for his approval. Trump’s passiveness on Jan. 6 and his pardons can be seen as approval for political violence, setting a precedent for future acts.
“But it’s a reality that we have to deal with that what happened on Jan. 6 could indeed happen again by him pardoning them… I guarantee the odds just went up a lot,” said Dunn.
To Dunn, Trump’s pardons are a sign that his supporters will “stand back and stand by.” Trump used that same phrase during a presidential debate when asked about his support from a right-wing group, the Proud Boys. Some members and leaders of that group were initially convicted of criminal acts related to January 6th.
“He literally has a militia on call right now,” said Dunn.
Both Hodges and Dunn have advocated for justice for themselves and fellow officers who were on the front lines of the Jan. 6 attacks. Both testified before Jan. 6 committees, and Dunn ran for public office. Dunn noted that Jan. 6 is one of the most highly documented historical events and believes there isn’t a narrative but just the truth.
“There ain’t no narrative. Press play.” Dunn said. “It’s literally the most documented crime in American history. Press play. People are trying to shape it as a peaceful protest and a day of love.”
While the two officers blamed Trump and the Republican party, Dunn felt that the Justice Department failed him.
“I really believed in Merrick Garland,” said Dunn. “I want to believe he did his best. It wasn’t enough… And somebody needs to be held responsible for that.”
Dunn explained that rioters sentenced for their participation in Jan. 6 had already completed their sentences before the Supreme Court decided whether or not Trump could be held accountable for the incident in 2023, nearly three years after the attack.
“The justice system, the criminal justice system, the courts, they failed me,” Dunn said.
“There’s the institution of Democrats in power that failed,” Hodges added.
The officers took questions from the audience, but one common theme was: How can we, as civilians, stop the cycle of misinformation and political violence?
Dunn and Hodges emphasized the importance of truth-telling and fighting misinformation. They urged listeners to engage with people who want to educate themselves and avoid online trolls or people who just want to argue.
“Engage with people who want to understand, who seek it and have a genuine thirst for knowledge,” urged Dunn
Hodges said, “My advice is to prioritize ethical living over what the law is… understand right from wrong.”
The panel’s turnout was high, with students and their professors filling every seat in the theater. Some attendees stood by the walls. After the panel, the crowd, seemingly moved by Hodges and Dunn’s thoughts, gave a standing ovation.
“We’re not shaping the narrative,” Dunn said. “We’re combatting the lies.”
Maria Lawson
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