| |
| |
|
|
R E S O L U T I O N
|
|
|
WHEREAS, On January 6, 2021, the United States of America |
|
|
witnessed one of the most disturbing episodes in its history, when a |
|
|
mob of thousands of rioters breached the U.S. Capitol and unleashed |
|
|
violence, mayhem, and lawlessness at the seat of our nation's |
|
|
government; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The chaotic events took place over several hours, as |
|
|
insurrectionists pushed through barriers along the perimeter of the |
|
|
Capitol, overwhelmed Capitol Police officers, and chanted menacing |
|
|
slogans, including terroristic threats against elected officials; |
|
|
those who perpetrated the attack, some of whom armed themselves |
|
|
with tasers, tire irons, pepper spray, and makeshift weapons, did |
|
|
so with the intent to disrupt the electoral process and the peaceful |
|
|
transition of executive power, a bedrock principle of American |
|
|
democracy; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, The U.S. Capitol Police are tasked with securing and |
|
|
protecting the sacred halls of Congress and ensuring the safety of |
|
|
all legislators, staff, and visitors who occupy the Capitol |
|
|
grounds; on January 6, Capitol Police officers found themselves |
|
|
outnumbered against an increasingly hostile and violent throng of |
|
|
extremists, who engaged in acts of vandalism and looting inside the |
|
|
Capitol and assaulted law enforcement personnel who stood in their |
|
|
way; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Capitol Police officers valiantly risked their |
|
|
lives to repel rioters who were attempting to infiltrate the |
|
|
chambers of Congress and do harm to the lawmakers who were sheltered |
|
|
in place; around 140 officers were hurt during the attack and |
|
|
several later lost their lives; Capitol Police officer Eugene |
|
|
Goodman, who distracted and led rioters away from the Senate |
|
|
chamber, was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the legislative |
|
|
branch's most distinguished civilian honor, by a unanimous senate |
|
|
vote; and |
|
|
WHEREAS, Were it not for the courageous officers who stood |
|
|
their ground on that day, the shocking events of January 6 could |
|
|
have resulted in far greater destruction and loss of life, and they |
|
|
are deserving of our highest praise for their heroism in service to |
|
|
their country; now, therefore, be it |
|
|
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas |
|
|
Legislature hereby honor the law enforcement officers who defended |
|
|
the United States Capitol during the January 6 insurrection and |
|
|
extend sincere gratitude to the entire U.S. Capitol Police force as |
|
|
it continues its vital work to safeguard the premises of our |
|
|
nation's Capitol. |