Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer who was on duty during the Jan. 6, 2021, riot that interrupted Congress’ certification of the 2020 presidential vote, announced Wednesday that he is running for Congress again in Maryland.
Dunn, a Democrat, announced Wednesday that he is jumping into the race to replace retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer in Maryland’s 5th District. He told NBC News that he thinks he’s the right person to help his party stand up to “this administration’s unrelenting assault on the rule of law, democracy and, shoot, decency.”
“I’ve been a fighter my whole life, but the world knew me as a fighter on Jan. 6,” he said.
The primary to succeed Hoyer in a safe blue seat is set to be very crowded. Hoyer, the longtime No. 2 Democrat in the House, has endorsed state Del. Adrian Boafo, a former aide.
Dunn had harsh words for the Trump administration on immigration, particularly when it comes to the conduct of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He said the agency has to be “abolished,” because “I don’t think there is a logical way to train your way out of this.”
“The absolute disregard for human life. Law enforcement, you’re supposed to be public servants; you are there to serve and protect, not create and incite terror, fear and chaos,” Dunn said, citing the killings of two people in Minnesota and viral videos of immigration agents’ other interactions with the public.
“Every single law enforcement officer should be disgusted by that and should be speaking out,” he added.