The Daily

A Capitol Officer Recounts Jan. 6: An Update

Dec 28, 2021
In this insightful discussion, Officer Harry Dunn, a Capitol Police officer who faced the chaos of January 6th firsthand, recounts his harrowing experiences during the Capitol siege. He shares how he initially expected a regular day but was plunged into a violent storm of riots and chaos. Dunn particularly highlights the emotional toll and racial discrimination he and his Black colleagues faced. He reflects on the significant weight of duty and the ongoing impact of that day on his life, emphasizing the complex legacy of the Capitol.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Violence on January 6th

  • Officer Dunn expected a normal protest day on January 6th but received calls about escalating violence.
  • He realized the danger while positioned on the west side, observing thousands of armed people with bad intentions.
ANECDOTE

Chaotic Scene Inside the Capitol

  • Inside, Officer Dunn found chaos: officers overwhelmed, endless rioters, fire extinguishers thrown, and explosions.
  • The overwhelming scene felt unbelievable, yet he had to restore order in the sacred space.
ANECDOTE

Overwhelmed and Outnumbered

  • Officer Dunn describes the overwhelming number of rioters as "possessed zombies" who kept coming in waves.
  • The sheer volume of people made it challenging to decide who to use force against, raising the question of which ones to shoot.
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