Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Announces Congressional Run
Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, who bravely defended the Capitol building during the January 6th attack, has declared his candidacy for Congress. Running as a Democrat in Maryland’s 3rd District, Dunn aims to fill the seat currently held by Rep. John Sarbanes, who has decided not to seek reelection after serving nine terms.
Defending Democracy: Dunn’s Motivation
Dunn’s decision to run for Congress stems from his unwavering commitment to defending democracy. Reflecting on the events of January 6th, he stated, “As a police officer and a patriotic American, I did my duty that day. Now, I continue to fight against the forces that instigated that violent attack.”
The Political Landscape: Maryland’s 3rd District
Maryland’s 3rd District, encompassing the Baltimore suburbs of Howard and Anne Arundel counties, is considered a stronghold for Democrats. In the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden triumphed over Donald Trump in the district by a significant margin of 26 percentage points. Additionally, Rep. Sarbanes secured his current term with a substantial 21-point victory in 2022.
A Competitive Democratic Primary
With several Democratic candidates already vying for the nomination, the open primary race in Maryland’s 3rd District is shaping up to be highly competitive. The Maryland State Board of Elections reports a diverse field of Democrats seeking to represent the district.
A Voice for Justice: Dunn’s Testimony
Harry Dunn played a pivotal role in shedding light on the events of the Capitol attack. Alongside three other officers, he provided firsthand accounts of the insurrection during the inaugural hearing of the House select committee investigating the January 6th attack. Dunn recounted the brutal clashes with rioters who utilized flagpoles, chemical irritants, and projectiles. He also faced vicious racism, enduring racial slurs from pro-Trump rioters upon disclosing his vote for President Joe Biden.
A Trauma-Filled Journey Towards Healing
After the traumatic events of January 6th, Dunn sought therapy and participated in peer support groups. His bravery and resilience caught the attention of President Biden, who awarded him the esteemed Presidential Citizens Medal on January 6th, 2023.
Dunn’s Advocacy for Accountability
Harry Dunn played a significant role in advocating for accountability following the Capitol attack. He was instrumental in the push to establish a 9/11-style commission to investigate the events of January 6th. Although GOP opposition in the Senate thwarted this effort, the House responded by forming the Jan. 6 select committee.
Sharing His Story: Dunn’s Book
In fall last year, Dunn released a book recounting his experiences on January 6th, the aftermath, and his relentless pursuit of accountability. This powerful memoir provides an intimate glimpse into the events that unfolded that day and serves as a testament to Dunn’s unwavering dedication to justice.
The Journey Continues: From Capitol Police Officer to Congressional Candidate
Having served as a Capitol Police officer since 2008, Harry Dunn dedicated himself to protecting the Capitol’s integrity. As part of the First Responder Unit, he regularly stood guard in front of the Capitol. However, on December 18th, 2023, Dunn made the difficult decision to resign from the department in pursuit of his congressional aspirations.
A Dedicated Marylander
Harry Dunn’s roots run deep in Maryland. Growing up in Prince George’s County, he attended James Madison University, where he graduated with a degree in health science. During his time at the university, he played offensive line for the Dukes football team, contributing to their national championship victory in 2004. Today, Dunn is a proud father to his daughter, Daphne.
Herb Jackson contributed to this report.
Read More of this Story at rollcall.com – 2024-01-05 11:39:14
Read More US Politics
