Officer Injured During Jan. 6 Attack Resumes Duty to Protect Trump

Officer Daniel Hodges Reflects on Duty and Democracy Ahead of Inauguration

Four years have passed since Officer Daniel Hodges of the Metropolitan Police Department found himself in a harrowing situation while defending the Capitol from a pro-Trump mob. The violent events of January 6, 2021, saw Officer Hodges pinned in a doorway, an image that became emblematic of the chaos that ensued that day. As the Capitol prepares for the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump, Hodges faces a unique and challenging duty: ensuring that the event is secure.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Officer Hodges candidly shared his thoughts on the complexities of his role as he prepares to protect a man whose supporters viciously attacked him and his fellow officers. “It’s something I knew would happen since November 5, so I’ve had a lot of time to deal with it,” he stated. “But that’s the thing about democracy — you can’t just be in favor of it when your guy wins. You have to be OK with it when the other guy wins.” His words highlight the commitment required from those who serve to uphold democratic principles, regardless of personal feelings.

Having served in the Metropolitan Police Department for over a decade, Officer Hodges became a central figure in public discourse about the Capitol riot, particularly after he testified before the House select committee investigating the events of January 6. His testimony, which came more than six months after the assault, painted a stark picture of the day’s turmoil. He described the rioters as descending into “terrorism,” recounting how they mocked law enforcement while brandishing Trump flags. The visuals from that day remain etched in his memory, showing him struggling against the crowd, helmet askew, visibly distressed.

Hodges recounted with astonishment how symbols meant to represent support for law enforcement, like the thin-blue-line flag, were carried by those attacking them. “To my perpetual confusion, I saw the thin-blue-line flag — the symbol of support for law enforcement — more than once being carried by the terrorists as they ignored our commands and continued to assault us,” he remarked. These contrasting images serve to underscore the profound disillusionment felt not only by Hodges but also by many officers and citizens as they processed the events of that day.

As he continues to serve in the same civil disturbance unit, Officer Hodges has been designated to protect the upcoming inauguration. While he acknowledges that his daily life has largely returned to normal, the emotional toll of the events and aftermath still weighs heavily on him. One significant source of anger for Hodges is former President Trump’s ongoing pledges to pardon individuals involved in the January 6 riot. Hodges finds this particularly egregious, especially regarding those who physically assaulted him and other officers.

“Personally, it’s a slap in the face to myself and my colleagues who put ourselves on the line to defend the vice president and Congress and the transfer of power and effectively democracy,” he expressed. Hodges fears that such actions would not only diminish the sacrifices made by law enforcement but also embolden future acts of violence against the United States. He believes that fostering a culture of impunity, where individuals feel they can commit crimes without consequence, threatens the very fabric of democracy.

Officer Hodges stands unique among his peers: he is the only one of the four officers who testified at the committee hearing still actively serving on the police force. His colleagues, Harry Dunn, Michael Fanone, and Aquilino Gonell, have since taken different paths, each addressing the aftermath of the Capitol attack in their own ways.

As the nation looks ahead to the inauguration, Officer Hodges embodies the resilience required from those who protect civic institutions. His commitment to duty, despite the past trauma, reinforces the importance of law enforcement’s role in safeguarding democracy. The challenges faced by officers like Hodges serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in service and the complexities that arise in a deeply polarized political landscape.

In navigating his responsibilities during this transitional period, Officer Hodges remains a pivotal figure not only in the law enforcement community but also as a voice for the principles of democracy and accountability. His reflections on duty, sacrifice, and the importance of upholding democracy resonate far beyond the walls of the Capitol, shining a light on the ongoing struggle to balance personal convictions with professional responsibilities. As he prepares for a day marked by contradictions, his determination to protect democracy, even in challenging circumstances, remains unwavering.