A powerful lawsuit filed in June 2025 is reigniting national debate over the delayed installation of the Capitol Police plaque honoring law enforcement heroes of January 6, 2021. The legal action, brought by two officers who defended the Capitol that day, aims to force congressional leadership to install the memorial plaque as mandated by a 2022 bipartisan law. With rising tensions over how history remembers that attack, the fight for the plaque has become a focal point in the broader political struggle for truth and recognition.
Table of Contents
Lawsuit Alleges Political Stonewalling on Capitol Police Plaque
More than two years have passed since Congress unanimously approved legislation requiring a commemorative plaque to be placed on the Capitol’s West Front. The plaque was designed, created, and even delivered—but it has yet to be installed. The new lawsuit claims this delay is not just bureaucratic but intentional, driven by political hesitation and efforts to downplay the violent attack that unfolded during the January 6 insurrection.
Officers Daniel Hodges and Harry Dunn—both nationally recognized for their bravery that day—are leading the legal charge. They argue that the refusal to display the Capitol Police plaque dishonors those who risked their lives and contradicts Congress’s own laws. The suit specifically calls out the inaction of key congressional leaders, demanding compliance with the memorial directive passed in 2022.
Meet the Officers Demanding Justice
The two plaintiffs are not anonymous figures—they are among the most visible and vocal voices in the national conversation about January 6.
- Officer Daniel Hodges was crushed in a Capitol tunnel during the riot and became a symbol of resistance when footage of his ordeal spread worldwide.
- Officer Harry Dunn, who has since retired and run for Congress, endured racial slurs while protecting lawmakers and later testified publicly about the trauma faced by Capitol defenders.
Both say that the continued delay of the Capitol Police plaque causes ongoing emotional harm—not just to them but to hundreds of officers who served that day.
Political Tensions Cloud Memorialization Efforts
While the legislation mandating the plaque was passed with bipartisan support, the follow-through has been muddied by partisan reluctance. Lawmakers from both sides initially agreed that the sacrifices of January 6 defenders deserved public recognition. Yet, as political narratives around the event have shifted—especially within some circles of the Republican Party—support for such memorials has waned.
The lawsuit indirectly challenges Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, who has not authorized the final step required for the plaque’s installation. Without his approval, the Architect of the Capitol cannot mount the plaque, despite its readiness. Critics say this is a clear violation of the law passed in 2022 and a moral failure to honor those who protected democracy.
What the Delayed Plaque Represents
The missing Capitol Police plaque has become more than just a memorial—it now represents a deeper conflict over how the country chooses to remember its most fragile moments. For many Americans, especially those in law enforcement and public service, the plaque is a long-overdue symbol of courage, sacrifice, and national unity in the face of chaos.
Here’s what’s at stake:
- Honor: Proper recognition for officers injured and traumatized while defending the U.S. Capitol.
- Truth: Preserving an accurate account of January 6 against revisionist attempts.
- Justice: Holding lawmakers accountable for fulfilling promises made through legislation.
Public Support and Grassroots Advocacy
In response to the continued delay, several members of Congress have taken symbolic action. Some have begun displaying replicas of the plaque in their offices to draw attention to the issue. Others have used social media and public forums to demand swift action.
Meanwhile, public advocacy groups and private citizens are organizing campaigns to pressure congressional leadership. Petitions and social media trends are growing, urging the Speaker to act immediately.
What Happens Next?
The federal lawsuit seeks a court order to compel the installation of the Capitol Police plaque. If successful, this could set a precedent for enforcing congressional mandates when politics interfere. Legal experts suggest that the outcome may hinge on whether courts interpret the delay as negligence or as a willful act of suppression.
With hearings expected later this year, and rising pressure from within and outside Congress, the coming months could see significant developments. Whether through judicial intervention or political will, the question remains: will the Capitol finally honor its defenders as promised?
Join the Movement
If you believe that those who protect our democracy deserve to be honored without delay, now is the time to act. Contact your representatives. Share the story. Demand accountability. The Capitol Police plaque belongs on the West Front—visible, permanent, and undeniable.