Thread by @WhiteHouse46

To mark two years since the insurrection on the Capitol, President Biden awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal today to 14 heroes who made exemplary contributions to our democracy before, during, and after the events of January 6, 2021.

Here are their stories:

U.S. Capitol Police Private First Class Harry A. Dunn rushed to protect injured fellow officers on January 6, 2021, and fought back insurrectionists. His powerful testimony describing violence and stinging racism laid bare the day’s facts for history.

Metropolitan Police Department Officer Daniel Hodges fought to push surging insurrectionists away from a key tunnel into the Capitol on January 6, 2021. He returned to the line even after being brutally beaten. His testimony will help ensure that we never forget this attack.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Caroline Edwards help stop advancing insurrectionists on January 6, 2021, even after being knocked unconscious in the mob’s first brutal surge. Her Congressional testimony will help ensure the valor of her colleagues is never forgotten.

Former Metropolitan Police Department Officer Michael Fanone took an off-duty call to the Capitol on January 6, 2021, helping to drive insurrectionists away from a key tunnel and facing vicious attack. He immediately became one of the day’s most outspoken truth-seekers.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick lost his life protecting our elected representatives, upholding the will of the American people, and defending our Constitution on January 6, 2021. His heroism set an example for generations to come and will never be forgotten.

U.S. Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino A. Gonell stood firm at the doors of the Capitol on January 6, 2021, as insurrectionists stormed the entrance. He sustained serious injuries as he defended our democracy. He later testified publicly to ensure history never forgets.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Eugene Goodman made himself a target on January 6, 2021, to divert insurrectionists away from the Senate chamber. In the face of a clear and present danger, he did his duty and he did not flinch.

U.S. Capitol Police Officer Howard C. Liebengood died after battling insurrectionists at the Capitol and staying on to restore security in the crucial days after January 6, 2021. His painful loss helped change the law to better honor the sacrifice that too many officers face

Metropolitan Policer Department Officer Jeffrey L. Smith defended the capitol on January 6, 2021. He died after protecting Congress, guarding the Capitol, and preserving our democracy. His passing sparked changes in the law that honor the silent injuries of our fallen officers.

Lady Ruby Freeman viewed her role as a Fulton County election worker as a sacred mission to ensure people could exercise their right to vote. In the 2020 election, she upheld that mission despite an orchestrated campaign to overturn the election that targeted her.

As an election worker in Fulton County, Shaye Moss faced death threats, harassment, and intimidation by those seeking to overturn the outcome of the 2020 election. She has helped to ensure the American people have a voice in the destiny of our nation.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson administered an election in 2020 with record turnout and certified the results in the face of unprecedented pressure and threats, including armed protestors outside her home. She continues to advance free and fair elections.

As Speaker of Arizona House of Representatives, Rusty Bowers refused attempts to decertify the 2020 election and overturn the will of the people. He endured menacing protests and eventually lost an election because of his courageous actions.

As a City Commissioner in Philadelphia, Albert Schmidt ensured the integrity of the 2020 election and faithfully oversaw the nonpartisan counting of the ballots – despite intense political pressure.