Foreword

January 6 was one of the most challenging days in the history of the United States Capitol Police. I’m contributing this foreword because the public often sees the headlines but rarely hears the voices of the men and women who stood on the front lines. Their experiences deserve to be understood, not just remembered.

In the days and weeks that followed, I spoke with many officers who I worked with and were there. Some were injured. Many were shaken. All of them showed a level of courage and professionalism that continues to humble me. They faced overwhelming odds with limited information and limited support, yet they never abandoned their duty or their commitment to protecting the Capitol.

There were breakdowns in intelligence and leadership that contributed to what happened that day. Those failures put officers in harm’s way, and the consequences were real — physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long‑term impacts on families. Acknowledging those failures is not about politics. It’s about truth, accountability, and honoring the people who bore the brunt of the consequences.

That’s why this book matters. It brings forward the human stories behind the uniforms — the fear, the resolve, the sacrifice, and the resilience. It reminds readers that behind every image they saw on television was a real person with a family, a history, and a commitment to service.

My hope is that readers approach this story with empathy and a willingness to understand what officers endured. Their courage deserves nothing less.

Gus Papathanasiou, Chairman, United States Capitol Police Labor Committee