On December 6, 2022, the United States Capitol Police and the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda to recognize their efforts to defend the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. In attendance were Congressional leadership, Members of Congress, U.S. Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, and Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Robert J. Contee.  “Thank you to all of our heroes for being here today,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. “And thank all of you for joining us as we canonize these heroes in the pantheon of patriots.”

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress awards civilians. The medals honor an individual, institution, or an event. Awarding the honor requires bicameral and Presidential approval. The award commemorates law enforcement officers for their role in defending the Capitol, Members, and staff during the armed attack on the Capitol, the seat of our Democracy.