Dozens of letters and signs of support are being added to the walls of the Cannon Tunnel following the valiant efforts of Capitol Police officers who opposed angry rioters on Jan. 6.
The gesture of support was organized by the Committee on House Administration Republican Office and the tunnel, which connects the Cannon House Office Building to the Capitol, is an ideal location for officers working in both buildings to take in the messages of affirmation.
Ashley Phelps, a Committee representative, told Today that the majority of the signs were created by congresspeople and their staffs. However, Phelps also acknowledged that some of the signs were also dedicated by support staff and reporters who felt inspired by the messages of others.
"Our goal is to show our support and appreciation for the Capitol Police officers who protected staff and members on Jan. 6 and continue to protect us every day," Phelps wrote said in an email. "They have a very difficult job to do right now, and we want them to know we continue to be behind them."
Signs thanking the Capitol Police line the Cannon Tunnel in the Capitol. pic.twitter.com/SGxEMWEu3I
— Caroline Brehman (@carolinebrehman) January 12, 2021
“You are in our thoughts and prayers," one colorful sign read.
"God bless you for your bravery and dedication," Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) wrote in his message.
"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid," another sign read.
In an effort to disrupt the ceremonial certification of Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election win, the pro-Trump mob stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Officer Eugene Goodman was praised by thousands for his heroic stand-off against the Capitol rioters, as Blavity previously reported. In a now-viral social media video, Goodman herds a group of the angry Trump insurgents away from people on the Senate floor.
Officer Brian D. Sicknick, a native of South River, New Jersey, died a day later from injuries he sustained during the insurgence. Police officials said Sicknick collapsed in his division office after being injured in the riot, CNN reported. He later was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
"The sacrifice of Officer Sicknick reminds us of our obligation to those we serve: to protect our country from all threats foreign and domestic. May it be a comfort to Officer Sicknick's family that so many mourn with and pray for them at this sad time," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement.
As of Wednesday, there have been at least five deaths connected to the incident, according to Today.
Despite the protest on the transition of power, Congress confirmed President-elect Biden's win early the following day. Ahead of the inauguration on Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C., Police Chief Robert Contee expects an additional 20,000 members of the National Guard on hand. As national officials consider increasing the country’s terrorism threat level, physical security perimeters are also expanding around the Capitol and other key buildings, CNN reported.
The Secret Service is supervising the collective security strategy and is collaborating with the Pentagon and other federal law enforcement agencies. A group of defense officials confirmed that the groups involved in presidential security are holding an in-depth, interagency meeting on Jan. 13 to discuss the security requirements of the event.
