Democrats Pressure House Speaker to Install Overdue Jan. 6 Police Plaque

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has publicly criticized House Speaker Mike Johnson for the delay in installing a plaque honoring the police officers who defended the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, attack. The plaque, which was mandated by a law passed in 2022, is reportedly finished but remains unmounted, prompting concerns from lawmakers and the families of the officers involved.

During a press conference, Jeffries emphasized the importance of recognizing the bravery of law enforcement on that fateful day, stating, “It’s time for House Republicans to honor the men and women of law enforcement who saved lives that day.” He displayed a replica of the plaque, which bears an inscription acknowledging the heroism of the officers who protected the Capitol, a symbol of American democracy, during the violent insurrection led by supporters of then-President Donald Trump.

The law requiring the plaque was included in a larger spending bill and mandated that it be installed by March 2023. However, Congress failed to meet this deadline, and the plaque has yet to be placed in a location of honor within the Capitol. Jeffries pointed out that the decision to install the plaque lies with the Republican majority, and he expressed frustration over the lack of action. “There’s no indication as to why it has taken so long when the law requires memorial recognition,” he said.

A spokesperson for Speaker Johnson stated that his office is coordinating with the Architect of the Capitol to mount the plaque but did not provide a timeline for when this would occur. The delay has raised eyebrows among Democrats, who have questioned whether political considerations are influencing the decision. Some officers who responded to the Capitol that day have suggested that the reluctance to honor them stems from the political implications of the events of January 6.

The plaque's absence has become a point of contention, particularly during National Police Week, a time when many lawmakers express their support for law enforcement. Critics argue that the Republican leadership has been selective in its recognition of police, focusing on those who align with their political agenda while neglecting the officers who faced violence during the Capitol riot. Jeffries noted that the ongoing silence from Republican leaders regarding the plaque is particularly troubling given the significance of honoring those who risked their lives to protect the Capitol.

The controversy surrounding the plaque reflects broader tensions in American politics, particularly regarding the legacy of the January 6 attack. The event has been a flashpoint for debates about law enforcement, accountability, and the political narratives surrounding the insurrection. Former Metropolitan Police officer Michael Fanone, who was injured during the attack, criticized the Republican leadership for what he perceives as a disregard for the Capitol Police and other agencies involved in the response.

In recent weeks, several Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the delay in installing the plaque. Representative Zoe Lofgren, who has been in contact with officers from that day, expressed her disappointment in a letter to Johnson, stating, “It is deeply troubling that this memorial has not been installed, particularly considering the significance of honoring those who faced violence and assault while safeguarding our Capitol.”

The ongoing discussions about the plaque highlight the complexities of commemorating a politically charged event. As the nation approaches the 2024 presidential election, the implications of January 6 continue to resonate, influencing public discourse and shaping the narratives of both major political parties. The failure to install the plaque may serve as a reminder of the unresolved tensions surrounding that day and the ongoing struggle to reconcile differing perspectives on law enforcement and accountability in American society.