MARYLAND'S 3RD
Meet Harry Dunn
Harry Dunn was raised here in Maryland by a family that taught him the values of duty, honor, and community. That’s why he became a Capitol Police Officer for over 15 years. And that’s why on January 6, 2021, he defended our nation’s Capitol from a violent insurrection bent on destroying our Democracy. Because for Harry Dunn, doing the right thing is a way of life.
Harry Dunn joined the U.S. Capitol police in 2008. On January 6, 2021, he was one of the brave officers who protected the country as a mob of insurrectionists attacked the Capitol in an attempt to overturn the presidential election. Officer Dunn protected the country from the insurrection as he experienced physical attacks and racial epithets from those storming the Capitol building.
In 2021, Harry Dunn and three other law enforcement officers testified before the bipartisan January 6th Commission, where he shared his account of what he experienced that day. January 6th was a frightening wake up call for our democracy, and our democracy is still standing because Harry and his fellow officers stood their ground.
In recognition for Officer Dunn’s role in protecting the U.S. Capitol, President Joe Biden awarded him the Presidential Citizens Medal.
The medal is the second-highest award a civilian can get and is given by the president to “U.S. citizens who have performed exemplary deeds of service for their country or their fellow citizens.” Officer Dunn said at the time, “I think it’s important to note that I accept this medal not as a Capitol Hill Police Officer, a job I have held for over 15 years. Rather, I am here as an American. What I did on January 6, I did as a police officer. It was my job. But what I have done every day since, I do because I am an American.”
Harry Dunn joined the U.S. Capitol Police in 2008 and since 2011 served at the officer rank as a Private First Class. From 2009 to 2023, Officer Dunn served on a First Responder Unit responsible for maintaining perimeter security around the exterior of the U.S. Capitol, protecting Members of Congress, congressional staff and employees, and visitors to our nation’s Capitol. From 2017 to 2023, Officer Dunn served as a Police Training Officer responsible for guiding and training new officers once they have completed the Academy.
During his 15+ years with the U.S. Capitol Police, Harry Dunn provided security for scores of major events at the Capitol, including presidential inaugurations, joint sessions of Congress, and State of the Union addresses. He served as an Incident Commander responsible for responding to emergency situations, such as attempted breaches of the Capitol perimeter and the discovery of suspicious packages.
In addition, Officer Dunn has served as a Crisis Intervention Officer responsible for assisting individuals who may be experiencing a mental crisis, and as a member of Capitol Police Crisis Negotiation Teams trained to respond to hostage or barricade situations. Harry also worked to promote equity, diversity and inclusion within the Capitol Police.
Officer Dunn has received several awards and commendations for his exemplary service in the U.S. Capitol Police, including the Capitol Police Service Medal, the Capitol Police Achievement Medal, a Capitol Police Commendation, and a Congressional Gold Medal.
Harry Dunn is the son of a United States Air Force veteran and a former insurance claims analyst, and a brother to four sisters. He was born and raised in Prince George’s County and graduated from James Madison University in 2005 with a B.S. degree in Health Science with a concentration in public health education.
A proud Duke Dog, Harry was a starter on the offensive line at JMU for four years and helped lead the team to their first ever national championship. He is a devoted father of one daughter, Daphne.