Republican leaders Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy were spurned Tuesday when Capitol police officers and their family members declined to shake their hands as they accepted Congressional Gold Medals.

Both men have been criticized for their responses to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. McConnell has called the attack a "violent insurrection," but has rejected efforts to investigate or prosecute those involved. McCarthy has been less forthright, often downplaying the attack along with the role former President Trump played in inciting the mob.

Video showing Capitol Police officers and their family members ignoring GOP leaders Mitch McConnell and Kevin McCarthy, both of whom have chosen to stay away from matters pertaining to Jan. 6.

Officers shook hands with Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer as they accepted the medals, among the highest awarded to citizens, but quickly moved past the House and Senate Republican leaders.

The video shows McConnell with his hand outstretched, ignored by multiple honorees.

All senior congressional leaders were participating in the event to honor U.S. Capitol Police officers, Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police, and others who responded during the riot.

"May this medal — the highest honor that Congress can bestow — serve as a token of our nation's deepest gratitude and respect: not as full but as a token," Pelosi said before awarding the medals.

Among those who ignored the GOP leaders were the family members of fallen U.S. Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick. Sicknick died in the days following the attack and later lay in honor in the Capitol.

Both GOP leaders thanked the officers for their service in a ceremony that followed the award presentation.

"To all the law enforcement officers who keep this country safe: thank you," McCarthy said. "Too many people take that for granted, but days like today force us to realize how much we owe the thin blue line."

Congress Trump