U.S. News
Capitol Police Veteran Makes Bid for Congress
Clear Facts
- Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn is running for Congress in Maryland’s 3rd District.
- Dunn served over 15 years as a Capitol Police officer and stepped down recently to begin his campaign.
- He received the Presidential Citizens Medal after defending the Capitol during the events of January 6, 2021.
Harry Dunn, age 40, recently announced his candidacy for Congress as a Democrat in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District. He had served over 15 years with the Capitol Police before leaving his job several weeks ago to run for office.
The district, which covers areas between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., is currently represented by John Sarbanes, who is not seeking reelection.
“On January 6th, I defended our democracy from insurrectionists as a Capitol Police Officer,” Dunn wrote on X, highlighting his decision to run to “stop Trump’s MAGA extremists & ensure it never happens again.”
Dunn shared a campaign video on X where he described putting “country above self” on January 6, saying his duty as an officer meant protecting all members of Congress, regardless of political differences.
“Some of the same people who stood behind us when we protected them, went back on the floor of Congress and stood behind Trump. They voted to acquit him. And worst of all, they denied the violence and trauma that led to the death of some of my fellow officers. I couldn’t stand by and watch.”
Dunn also stated, “We can’t ever let this happen again. And you’ve heard it from Trump himself. He is hellbent on finishing what he started this day. I’m stepping into a new role today, but I can’t do it alone. I believe every one of us has a role to play in this fight. So join me, we’ve got a democracy to protect.”
Current Rep. John Sarbanes is among several Democrats not seeking reelection, while more than a dozen Republicans are also stepping down.
Since the January 6 incident, over 1,230 persons have faced federal charges ranging from trespassing to assault and conspiracy. Approximately 730 pleaded guilty to charges, with about 170 convicted after trials.
During the committee investigation, Dunn testified about facing rioters who shouted slogans in support of President Trump and claimed they had been invited to the Capitol. He recounted this experience, saying, “I am a law enforcement officer, and I keep politics out of my job. But in this circumstance, I responded, ‘Well, I voted for Joe Biden. Does my vote not count? Am I nobody?'”
As the 2024 race heats up, the field in Maryland’s 3rd District remains crowded, with Dunn highlighting his experience and pledge to uphold constitutional integrity.
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