WASHINGTON, D.C.  – U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today spoke on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to honor the service and sacrifice of the U.S. Capitol Police and Metropolitan Police Department officers who responded to the attempted insurrection and defended the U.S. Capitol complex on January 6, 2021.

January 6 resulted in one of the highest numbers of injuries in a single day for American law enforcement officers since September 11, 2001. According to the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department, approximately 140 officers were injured during the assault on the U.S. Capitol. Additionally, one officer died as a result of injuries sustained during the attack — and two U.S. Capitol Police officers later died by suicide.

In conjunction with National Police Week, Spanberger thanked these law enforcement officers for their heroism and their continued commitment to protecting the Capitol in the days and months since the attack. During her speech, Spanberger — a former federal law enforcement agent — also recounted the traumatic, violent events experienced by law enforcement during the attempted insurrection.

Click here to watch her full remarks. A full transcript of her speech is below.

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I rise today during National Police Week to honor the service of the law enforcement officers who protected Members of Congress, Capitol employees, and staff on January 6.

On that day, the U.S. Capitol Police and the Washington Metropolitan Police repelled an attack on our democracy. Bear spray, American flagpoles, fire extinguishers, and their own riot shields and tasers were used against them.

More than 100 police officers were injured that day — their eyes gouged, their ribs cracked, and their spinal disks shattered. And countless more are grappling with terrible trauma.

In the wake of the attack, these men and women have faced increased pressure, scrutiny, and threats. But if you walk out of this Chamber, you will see them standing strong — staying committed to their duty, their country, and their fellow Americans.

On behalf of the people of Central Virginia and on behalf of a grateful nation, I thank the Capitol Police and the Washington Metropolitan police for their heroism and their bravery — and I honor the lives and the legacies of those we have lost: Officer Brian Sicknick, Officer Howie Liebengood, Officer Billy Evans, and Officer Jeffrey Smith.

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