Capitol police officer on Jan. 6 announces Maryland congressional run, vows 'to stop Trump's MAGA extremists'

Former Capitol Police officer, Harry Dunn, who was on duty during the notorious January 6, 2021, riot, announced his decision to run for Congress in Maryland on Friday. Dunn made his announcement a day before the third anniversary of the infamous Capitol attack. Dunn revealed his intention to prevent instances of Trump's MAGA extremists carrying out such actions again. At 40 years old, Dunn ended his 15-year service as a Capitol police officer several weeks ago and is running in the Democratic primary for Maryland's 3rd Congressional District, a typically Democratic area between Baltimore and Washington DC.

Dunn's campaign announcement video demonstrated his experience during the riot. Dunn was shown walking down a Capitol-like hallway, talking about his responsibilities as a Capitol police officer on that day. He described his duty to protect democracy and the Constitution above personal sentiments. Dunn criticized those who supported Trump after the Capitol attack and voted to acquit him, denying the violent consequences of that day.

The video also included actual footage of Dunn testifying before the January 6 committee. He decided to speak out against what he views as the destructive influence of Donald Trump. In order to run for Congress, Dunn resigned from the force after more than 15 years of service.

Current Rep. John Sarbanes, a Democrat from Maryland, announced in October 2021 that he would not run for reelection. This announcement forms part of a pattern, with approximately two dozen Democrats and fourteen Republicans declaring they will not seek another term. Since the January 6 riot, over 1,230 individuals have been charged with federal crimes, with roughly 730 pleading guilty. Approximately 170 have been convicted of at least one charge.

In his testimony before the January 6 committee in 2021, Dunn detailed the disturbing events of that day, and highlighted the invasive and violent behavior of rioters. Dunn maintained that he keeps politics separate from his job, but in this instance, he felt the need to point out that his vote for Joe Biden was valid, directly questioning the narrative portrayed by the insurrectionists.