Who Is Eugene Goodman? Kamala Harris Escorted By Capitol Riot Hero

When Vice President Kamala Harris arrived Wednesday at the Capitol, she was escorted by Eugene Goodman. The Capitol Police officer has been praised as a hero after he led rioters away from the Senate chamber when a mob stormed the building on Jan. 6.

When Goodman's name was mentioned at the inauguration it prompted loud applause. For his bravery, Goodman was named the acting deputy sergeant-at-arms for the House for Inauguration Day. His new job title was the reason he escorted Harris on the historic day.

A video of Goodman went viral after he was seen getting a mob of rioters to follow him away from the Senate chamber and to a group of officers. His quick thinking has gotten him praise for potentially saving the lives of several Capitol Hill lawmakers, including former Vice President Mike Pence. Goodman’s heroics allowed for lawmakers to seek a secure location.

Pence sought to contact Goodman to thank him but was unable to speak with him.

Goodman, an Army veteran who served as an infantryman in Iraq, left the Army in 2006 after serving for four years.

Throughout his time serving the country, he was awarded the Army Achievement Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal.

Congress is considering awarding Goodman a medal for holding off insurrectionists during the Capitol riot. Legislation has since been introduced to give him a Congressional Gold Medal.

“Officer Eugene Goodman’s selfless and quick-thinking actions doubtlessly saved lives and bought security personnel precious time to secure and ultimately evacuate the Senate before the armed mob breached the Chamber,” House lawmakers wrote on the bipartisan bill.

“Amid a shocking, unpatriotic attack on the Capitol, Officer Goodman’s heroism is recognized not only from members of Congress and staff but also from the American people they represent.”