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Harry Dunn (police officer)

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Harry Dunn
Dunn in 2023
Born
Harry Anthony Dunn

(1983-09-25) September 25, 1983 (age 41)
Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland, U.S.
EducationJames Madison University (BS)
Known forPolice officer during the January 6 United States Capitol attack
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
Danyel Dunn
​
​
(m. 2009, divorced)​
Children1
Awards
Police career
DepartmentUnited States Capitol Police
Service years2008–2023
RankPrivate first class
Dunn's voice
Dunn on his experience as a U.S. Capitol Police officer and during the January 6 Capitol attack.
Recorded June 24, 2022
WebsiteCampaign website

Harry Anthony Dunn (born September 25, 1983) is an American author, political candidate, and former police officer who served in the United States Capitol Police from 2008 to 2023. Dunn was one of several officers present during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, and testified with his colleagues before the United States Congress for the House Select Committee investigating the attack. His efforts have earned him both the Congressional Gold Medal and Presidential Citizens Medal.

A member of the Democratic Party, Dunn announced his candidacy for Maryland's 3rd congressional district in the 2024 election. He lost to Sarah Elfreth in the Democratic primary.

Early life and career

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Dunn was born on Andrews Air Force Base in Morningside, Maryland.[1] He attended Surrattsville High School in Clinton, Maryland, and played as an offensive lineman on the school's football team.[2] Dunn attended James Madison University, where he studied public health[3] and played college football for the James Madison Dukes.[4] He was a member of the 2004 NCAA Division I-AA national champions.[5] Dunn graduated from James Madison in 2005.[6] After he graduated, Dunn signed with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League,[7] but he was released during training camp.[8]

Dunn joined the United States Capitol Police in 2008. From 2009 to 2023, he worked as a first responder providing security around the exterior of the United States Capitol and as a member of the Capitol Police Crisis Negotiation Team. He was commissioned as an officer as a private first class in 2011,[6] and was named a field training officer in 2017.[9] In November 2021, Dunn ran against Gus Papathanasiou in an election to chair the U.S. Capitol Police Labor Committee.[10][11] Papathanasiou defeated Dunn in a secret ballot.[12]

January 6 Capitol attack

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See also: January 6 United States Capitol attack
Dunn with U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin in June 2021

On the day of the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Dunn was stationed outside the Capitol. After the Capitol was breached, he was called inside to guard a stairwell with injured officers[13] and to guard Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.[14] He interacted with rioters, many carrying Make America Great Again and Confederate flags, and members of the Oath Keepers such as Kelly Meggs.[15] Dunn said that by the end of the day, his fists were bloody from fighting with rioters.[16]

Dunn, D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, and Gladys Sicknick, the mother of Brian Sicknick, advocated for the creation of a January 6 commission, to investigate the attack in a method similar to the 9/11 Commission in meetings with U.S. Senators of the Republican Party.[17] He was in attendance when the U.S. House approved the formation of the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack.[18] He testified to the committee alongside Fanone, Capitol Police Sergeant Aquilino Gonell, and D.C. Metropolitan Police Officer Daniel Hodges in its preliminary hearing on July 27, 2021. In his testimony, Dunn said that rioters had used racial slurs against him during the attack[19][20] and that he has attended psychotherapy and engaged in peer support to help him process the trauma he experienced.[21] The four officers were given a front-row seat to all of the committee's public hearings in 2022.[22] Dunn has stated his belief that Donald Trump should be arrested for his conduct preceding the riot.[23]

Dunn testified in the 2022 trial of the Oath Keepers for seditious conspiracy for their actions relating to the Capitol attack. Though they claimed that they were trying to assist the officers during the attack, Dunn refuted their claims.[14] The trial resulted in the convictions of Meggs and Stewart Rhodes.[24]

Dunn wrote a memoir, titled Standing My Ground, which was published on October 24, 2023, by Hachette Books.[3][25] He resigned from the Capitol Police on December 17, 2023.[26]

Political activity

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2024 congressional campaign

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Main article: 2024 United States House of Representatives elections in Maryland § District 3

In October 2023, after U.S. Representative John Sarbanes announced that he would not run for re-election in 2024, Dunn expressed interest in a potential run for his seat in Maryland's 3rd congressional district.[27] He officially entered the race on January 5, 2024, running in a crowded Democratic primary field that includes five state legislators—Mark S. Chang, Sarah Elfreth, Terri Hill, Clarence Lam, and Mike Rogers.[28] If elected, Dunn would have been the second Capitol Police officer elected to Congress after Harry Reid's initial election to Nevada's 1st congressional district in 1982.[29][30] As a result of his strong fundraising ability and online presence,[31] Dunn was seen as a frontrunner in the race alongside Elfreth and Lam.[32][33] As of April 2024, Dunn led his opponents in fundraising with $4.5 million in contributions.[34]

During the Democratic primary, Dunn campaigned on a platform involving democracy-related issues, abortion, infrastructure, health care laws, and gun reform.[35][36] He received endorsements from various Democratic celebrities, including U.S. representatives Nancy Pelosi, Jim Clyburn, Adam Schiff, and Jasmine Crockett,[37][38][39] but none from elected officials within the district.[34] Dunn pledged not to accept campaign contributions from corporate political action committees (PACs) and criticized AIPAC for getting involved in the primary by running ads for Elfreth.[40] He also expressed support for Israel and its right to defend itself amid the Israel–Hamas war, opposing conditioning U.S. aid to Israel. Dunn also voiced support for a bill to provide $74 billion in funding to Ukraine and Israel and humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.[41][42] Dunn supported an amendment introduced by U.S. senator Chris Van Hollen that would condition U.S. foreign aid on a country's compliance with international law,[43] but later reiterated that he would only support requiring countries to comply with existing conditions as opposed to establishing new conditions.[44]

Dunn was defeated in the Democratic primary election by state senator Sarah Elfreth on May 14, 2024, placing second with 25.0 percent of the vote.[45] He conceded defeat that night and endorsed Elfreth in the general election.[46]

Post-campaign political career

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Following his defeat, Dunn started his own political action committee, Democracy Defenders PAC, to support candidates running against pro-Trump Republicans.[47] In an interview with Maryland Matters in July 2024, he said that the PAC would not spend heavily on its endorsed candidates because he didn't want it to be seen as the PAC putting its thumb on the scale.[48] Dunn also campaigned for President Biden's 2024 reelection campaign, and later Vice President Kamala Harris's 2024 presidential campaign,[49] in swing states alongside fellow former U.S. Capitol Police officers who were present at the U.S. Capitol during the January 6 Capitol attack.[50]

Personal life

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Dunn married Danyel Moncree on June 11, 2009,[51] but the couple are now divorced.[52] They have a daughter.[53] Dunn lives in Wheaton, Maryland,[48] and pledged to move to somewhere within Maryland's 3rd congressional district if elected to Congress.[28]

In November 2011, Montgomery County police officers were called to Dunn's home to respond to a violent domestic assault involving Dunn and his then-wife stemming from an argument about his 16-year-old stepson not doing the dishes. According to the internal memo obtained by Punchbowl News, Dunn's wife allegedly waved a kitchen knife in Dunn's direction, prompting him to retrieve his service weapon and rifle, which were stored in a department-issued lockbox with a broken locking mechanism, a violation of U.S. Capitol Police policy that led to a four-day suspension without pay. When police arrived at the scene, both Dunn and his wife had minor scratches on their arms and neither were willing to press charges over the incident. In a statement to Punchbowl, Dunn and his wife acknowledged the argument and memo, but denied having been physically violent to each other.[54]

Dunn receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal from Joe Biden in 2023.

Honors

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Along with other officers who protected the Capitol during the attack, Dunn was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on December 6, 2022.[55]

On January 6, 2023, President Biden awarded Dunn with the Presidential Citizens Medal.[5][56][57]

The Montgomery County Council presented him with a citation in June 2023.[58]

In August 2024, Mr. Dunn was made an Honorary Member of the Iota Phi Theta fraternity during the Iota Leadership Conference in Houston, Texas.[59]

Bibliography

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  • Dunn, Harry (2023). Standing My Ground: A Capitol Police Officer's Fight for Accountability and Good Trouble After January 6th. Hachette Books. ISBN 9780306831133.

References

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  1. ^ Munro, Dana (April 18, 2024). "Political donations, Gaza cease-fire highlight 3rd Congressional District forum in Annapolis". The Capital. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  2. ^ "Prince George's Football Preview". The Washington Post. September 7, 2000. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Harry Dunn Reflects on Jan. 6 Riots in New Book: 'I Never Want to Forget' (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  4. ^ El-Bashir, Tarik; Gallo, Jon (January 30, 2001). "After 36 Years, Falcons' Kolar Steps Aside". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Campbell, Ashlyn (January 19, 2023). "JMU alum receives Presidential Citizens Medal". The Breeze. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Man with Halifax County ties gets Congressional Gold Medal". The Gazette-Virginian. March 29, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  7. ^ "Two JMU Football Players Join Canadian League Team". James Madison University Athletics. January 26, 2006. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  8. ^ Zurkowsky, Herb (June 10, 2006). "Bittersweet 16: Alouettes make cuts". Montreal Gazette. p. 15. Retrieved October 29, 2023 – via newspapers.com.
  9. ^ Barker, Jeff (May 6, 2024). "Harry Dunn brings 'searing' Jan. 6 memories to contentious Maryland US House race". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
  10. ^ Marquette, Chris (November 9, 2021). "Harry Dunn challenging Gus Papathanasiou for Capitol Police union leader". Roll Call. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  11. ^ Wu, Nicholas; Tully-McManus, Katherine (November 9, 2021). "Dunn jumps into race to lead Capitol Police union after post-Jan. 6 testimony". Politico. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  12. ^ Marquette, Chris (November 19, 2021). "Papathanasiou defeats Dunn in race to lead Capitol Police union". Roll Call. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  13. ^ "Capitol Police Officer Dunn Honored for His Efforts on Jan. 6, 2021". House.gov. June 27, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  14. ^ a b "Capitol Officer Harry Dunn testifies Oath Keepers weren't helping him on Jan. 6". NBC News. October 31, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  15. ^ Lee, Ella (October 31, 2023). "Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn denies Oath Keepers protected him on Jan. 6 in testimony". USA Today. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  16. ^ Broadwater, Luke (February 25, 2021). "Battling the Mob, a Black Officer Came Face to Face With Racism". The New York Times. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  17. ^ Sonmez, Felicia; Demirjian, Karoun; Hermann, Peter (May 28, 2021). "Sicknick's family and the police officers who protected lawmakers Jan. 6 plead with GOP senators to back investigation". Washington Post. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  18. ^ Rocha, Veronica; Macaya, Melissa; Chowdhury, Maureen; Mahtani, Melissa; Hayes, Mike (June 30, 2021). "House votes to establish committee to investigate Capitol riot". CNN. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  19. ^ Montanaro, Domenico (July 27, 2021). "Capitol Police Officer Testifies To The Racism He Faced During The Jan. 6 Riot". NPR. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  20. ^ Dick, Jason (July 27, 2021). "Officers detail violence they faced on Jan. 6". Roll Call. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  21. ^ Behrmann, Savannah. "Officers ask lawmakers to 'get to the bottom' of Jan. 6 Capitol riot". USA Today. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  22. ^ Sangal, Aditi; Chowdhury, Maureen; Hammond, Elise; Macaya, Melissa; Wagner, Meg (December 19, 2022). "Officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 were sitting in the front row during committee meeting". CNN. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  23. ^ Robertson, Nick (August 3, 2023). "Capitol Police officer: Trump should have been arrested 'on Jan. 7'". Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  24. ^ Rabinowitz, Hannah; Polantz, Katelyn (May 25, 2023). "Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes sentenced to 18 years in prison for plot to keep Trump in power". CNN. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  25. ^ "Capitol Police Officer Shares Emotional Call with Daughter During Jan. 6 Riots (Exclusive Excerpt)". People. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  26. ^ Bowman, Bridget; Tsirkin, Julie; Reilly, Ryan J. (January 5, 2024). "Former Capitol Police officer outspoken about Jan. 6 launches run for Congress". NBC News. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  27. ^ Gangel, Jamie; Stuart, Elizabeth (January 5, 2024). "Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn announces bid for Congress". CNN. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  28. ^ a b Ford, William J.; Kurtz, Josh (January 5, 2024). "Jan. 6 hero cop joining 3rd District congressional race". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  29. ^ Domingo, Ida (January 5, 2024). "Former USCP officer Harry Dunn announces run for Congress in Maryland". WJLA-TV. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  30. ^ Gangel, Jamie; Stuart, Elizabeth (January 5, 2024). "Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn announces bid for Congress in Maryland". WJZ-TV. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  31. ^ Schaefer, Peder (March 28, 2024). "The issue that's still firing up Democrats". Politico. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  32. ^ Kurtz, Josh (February 2, 2024). "Elfreth, Lam battle for fundraising supremacy in 3rd District race, but the landscape could change". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  33. ^ Sears, Bryan P.; Kurtz, Josh (March 8, 2024). "Political notes: Ferguson hits back at county executives, Elfreth poll has good news for Elfreth". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 20, 2024.
  34. ^ a b Wintrode, Brenda (May 8, 2024). "Race offers Anne Arundel, Howard voters a contrast in political styles". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved May 8, 2024.
  35. ^ Solender, Andrew (January 5, 2024). "Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn launches bid for Congress". Axios. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  36. ^ Kurtz, Josh (March 29, 2024). "Dunn leans into pro-democracy agenda in CD-3, wins backing of political reform group". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 29, 2024.
  37. ^ Kurtz, Josh (April 19, 2024). "Veterans' PAC ruffles feathers by not endorsing a veteran in Md. congressional race". Maryland Matters. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  38. ^ Bade, Rachael; Daniels, Eugene; Lizza, Ryan (February 22, 2024). "Playbook: What the GOP would prefer not to discuss". Politico. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  39. ^ Munro, Dana (April 19, 2024). "Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi endorses Harry Dunn for Maryland 3rd Congressional District seat". The Capital. Retrieved April 19, 2024.
  40. ^ Wintrode, Brenda (April 3, 2024). "Influential pro-Israel group enters Maryland congressional race". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  41. ^ Murray, Stephanie (February 12, 2024). "Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn emerges as wild card in crowded Maryland primary to succeed Sarbanes". Jewish Insider. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  42. ^ Marans, Daniel (April 3, 2024). "AIPAC's Support For Election Deniers Becomes Flashpoint In Maryland House Race". HuffPost. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
  43. ^ Jacobs, Emily (April 19, 2024). "Top MD-03 congressional candidates suggest support for Van Hollen's efforts against Israel". Jewish Insider. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  44. ^ Rod, Marc (May 13, 2024). "Capitol cop Harry Dunn, UDP-backed Sarah Elfreth neck-and-neck ahead of primary". Jewish Insider. Retrieved May 13, 2024.
  45. ^ Fernandez, Madison; Shepard, Steven (May 14, 2024). "AIPAC-backed Sarah Elfreth wins primary for open Maryland congressional seat". Politico. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  46. ^ Narh-Mensah, Nene (May 15, 2024). "Elfreth tops Dunn in hard-fought 3rd District House primary". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 15, 2024.
  47. ^ Kamisar, Ben (June 5, 2024). "Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn starts PAC after losing House run". NBC News. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  48. ^ a b Kurtz, Josh (July 8, 2024). "Harry Dunn's new assignment". Maryland Matters. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  49. ^ Saric, Ivana (August 8, 2024). "Ex-Capitol Police officer calls Trump "biggest threat" to democracy". Axios. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  50. ^ Barker, Jeff (May 29, 2024). "Maryland's Harry Dunn, other former Capitol Police officers will campaign for Biden in swing states". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  51. ^ "Moncree-Dunn". Southern Maryland News. June 25, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2023.
  52. ^ Bella, Timothy (April 24, 2024). "Harry Dunn Fought Rioters on Jan. 6. Now He Wants to Go to Congress". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 24, 2024.
  53. ^ Mansfield, Erin (January 7, 2022). "'A Struggle Every Day': Capitol Officers Endure". The Courier-Journal. p. A5. Retrieved January 4, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  54. ^ Cohen, Max; Bresnahan, John; Caygle, Heather (March 22, 2024). "Harry Dunn suspended from USCP in 2012 after gun incident". Punchbowl News. Retrieved March 26, 2024.
  55. ^ "Congress gives gold medals to police who defended the Capitol: Law enforcement officers fought off a crowd aiming to stop Congress from making the 2020 presidential election results official". Washington Post. Associated Press. December 6, 2022. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  56. ^ Bichu, Apps (January 6, 2023). "Capitol Hill police officer from Wheaton receives Presidential Citizens Medal". MoCo360. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  57. ^ "Biden, lawmakers honor officers who defended Capitol on Jan. 6". ABC News. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  58. ^ "Capital Police Officer Harry Dunn honored for heroic Jan. 6, 2021 efforts". MoCo360. June 28, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  59. ^ watchtheyard (August 5, 2024). "January 6th Capitol Hill Police Officer Harry Dunn Inducted as Honorary Member of Iota Phi Theta". Watch The Yard. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
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