A former Capitol Police officer, previously outspoken about the events of January 6th, 2021, is now running for Congress.
Three Years Ago
On January 6th, 2021, a little over three years ago, the U.S. Capitol insurrection made its mark on history. On that day, Harry Dunn was one of many officers who defended democracy. Now, he wants to launch a political career and join the lawmakers he protected on that unprecedented day.
Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District
Shortly before the insurrection’s third anniversary, Dunn launched his campaign in Maryland’s 3rd Congressional District. He hopes to replace Democratic Representative John Sarbanes, who is retiring.
Dunn on Social Media
On social media, Dunn wrote: “My name is Harry Dunn. On January 6th, I defended our democracy from insurrectionists as a Capitol Police Officer. Today, I’m running for Congress to stop Trump’s MAGA extremists & ensure it never happens again. Can you repost and follow this account to join our campaign?”
The Extinction of Our Democracy
In an interview shortly before the announcement, as reported by NBC News, Dunn said: “Because of Jan 6th and everything that happened afterward, it’s clear how much of a threat the extinction of our democracy is. It’s very present right now.”
One Election Cycle Away
Dunn’s gloomy outlook didn’t stop there. He went on to express concern about the end of democracy being a single election cycle away: “I do believe that we’re literally one election cycle away from the extinction of our democracy.”
Racial Slurs and Physical Attacks
Dunn wasn’t quiet after the insurrection. He told the story in the months following Jan 6th, revealing that the mob resorted to racial slurs and even physically assaulted him.
A Testimony and a Book
Dunn testified at the House Jan 6th committee’s inaugural hearing, and he didn’t shy away from giving details of the horrors he and other officers experienced. He went on to write a book on the matter – “Standing My Ground: A Capitol Police Officer’s Fight for Accountability and Good Trouble After January 6th.”
Jan 6th Defendants
Dunn has also been involved in more than 1,200 cases against Jan 6th defendants, testifying in some and observing others. He also, along with some other officers, attended Trump’s first court appearance in his Jan 6th prosecution. In 2022, he testified in the Oath Keepers seditious conspiracy trial, asserting that the far-right group didn’t assist him during the insurrection.
Just About Surviving
In the aforementioned trial, Dunn said: “We have dozens of officers down. They’re taking them out on stretchers. I was distressed, I was angry, and I was scared. During the event, it was just about surviving.”
Stopping the Rioters
“They were trying to get past me and I stopped them. They didn’t. I did,” Dunn noted in the same trial. When a prosecutor asked what would have been a helpful thing for the rioters to do, Dunn said: “Leaving the building.”
A Huge Motivator
The trauma of the insurrection affects Dunn to this day, as it does for many of the officers who were present. He even said it was difficult to put on his uniform afterward, let alone head to the Capitol itself. But despite the many negatives of the experience, it became a huge motivator in running for Congress.
Limits as a Capitol Police Officer
“As a Capitol Police officer, I was very limited to what I can do, to what I can say, the criticisms of members who I protect, who I disagree with,” Dunn said, as reported by NBC News.
A Voice and a Vote
Dunn added: “What more can I do that I haven’t done already as a police officer? So, now running gives me a seat at the table, where maybe now I’m just an annoying talking head, but now I’m their equal. I’m their colleague, and I have a voice. I have a vote, and I can’t be dismissed that way.”
Fifteen Years Defending Democracy
But to gain that voice, Dunn will have to defeat several other Democratic candidates in a very crowded primary. “I completely appreciate all the work that they’ve done. I believe that all of our values are aligned. However, I believe at this moment I am the best person for this job because I spent the last 15 years of my life defending democracy,” he said.
A Good Position
The candidate who comes out on top will be in a good position to win come November. In 2022, Sarbanes—the individual retiring—won a ninth term. Dunn, who does not currently live in the district in question, has said he would move if elected.
Traffic, Mental Health, Crime
Dunn plans to focus on infrastructure during his campaign. He brought up traffic around Baltimore, mental health, and crime. He also said that issues like abortion and gun control will be a focus.
A Life of Service
Dunn has been fairly active on social media since announcing his campaign. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, he wrote: “We should all strive for a LIFE of service, not just a day of it. Humanity can be preserved when we embrace the things that unite us and when we care about and serve one another. Be safe in these frigid temperatures. With love. #MLKDay2024.”
A Real and Present Threat
In response to Trump’s landslide Iowa victory, Dunn wrote: “The Iowa caucus results tonight prove the real and present threat that a Trump return to the White House poses to our country. We can’t stand idly by and just HOPE Trump doesn’t return to office. Democracy is verb that requires all of us to take action.”
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