MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

How did Eugene Goodman save Mitt Romney's life? Courageous Black police officer praised for 'true patriotism'

New security footage shows officer Goodman approaching Romney and diverting him in a different direction, away from the rioters

What would have happened to Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney during the January 6 Capitol riot if officer Eugene hadn’t intervened? New security footage of the clashes and assault presented by the House impeachment managers at former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial show how Goodman saved Romeny’s life when the rioters stormed the Capitol building and went off on a search tour for politicians. 

Romney apparently wasn’t aware of the officer’s identity and told in a statement after watching the terrifying footage that he wants to thank Eugene when he sees him next. CNN anchor Jake Tapper tweeted on February 11, “Romney just told Hill reporters he didn't know it was officer Goodman who diverted him from the mob "but I look forward to thanking him when I next see him...I was very fortunate indeed that Officer Goodman was there to get me in the right direction," per @CraigCaplan”

RELATED LINKS

Who is Eugene Goodman? Black police officer hailed ‘hero’ for diverting Capitol rioters: ‘Deserves Medal of Honor’

Why did Senator Mitt Romney slam Donald Trump as 'selfish'? Republican dubs Capitol violence 'an insurrection'

Here's how Goodman saved Romney from rioters

House impeachment manager Stacey Plaskett explained as she played the security footage, "you may all have seen footage of officer Goodman previously. But there's more to his heroic story. In this security footage, you can see officer Goodman running to respond to the initial breach."

The video shows officer Goodman approaching Romney and diverting him in a different direction, away from the rioters. Plaskett says, "Officer Goodman passes Senator Romney and directs him to turn around in order to get to safety. On the first floor, just beneath them, the mob had already started to search for the senator chamber."

"Officer Goodman made his way to the first floor where he encountered the same insurrectionists we saw breach the Capitol." In the footage, he is seen steering the angry mob away on the first floor as they come face-to-face by backing up the stairs. 

He also helped Mike Pence and his family 

It wasn't just Romney whose life was saved by Goodman's actions. Per the footage played at Trump's impeachment trial, the police officer also bought time for the former Vice President Mike Pence and his family to move to a secure location by holding off the mob, who were on a searching tour for the politician. Reportedly, Pence and his family were able to escape the rioters only moments before being spotted due to Goodman's intervention. 

Dramatic videos from the impeachment show the angry mob bellowing "Kill Mike Pence". Thus, Goodman is being heaped with praise for his bravery that saved the politicians from facing prey to the violent clashes at the House of Congress. 

Officer Goodman praised for his act of valor 

A significant number of people on social media are singing praises of officer Goodman for putting his life on the line during the riots. One tweeted, "Officer Goodman is the absolute BEST thing to come out of all this treacherous madness. His heroism is in line with any American Hero attributed to any past world war. Full Stop." ANther added, "Officer Goodman is the definition of true patriotism and leadership." One tweeted, "But please give out medals to the Capital police for going above and beyond. For Officer Goodman, he deserves so many medals he should be walking around after the ceremonies looking like Mr. T on a good day. Thank the gods for that brave man." Another wrote, "All I can think about is Officer Goodman's heroic response to the killers attacking our Capitol and representatives. The videos today were more harrowing than originally presented. So thankful for him."