Capitol Police Officer Reflects on Jan. 6 Riots in New Book: ‘I Never Want to Forget’ (Exclusive)

In his new book ‘Standing My Ground,’ Harry Dunn recounts his experience in the Jan. 6 insurrection and what life looks like after

When Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn thinks back on Jan. 6, 2021, he sees a searing image.

“I have vivid pictures in my mind of specific officers engaged in battle and the looks on their faces,” he tells PEOPLE. “We've all seen the pictures that the media has caught, but in real time, it’s hard to get those images out of my head.”

One way that Dunn has been able to cope with the aftermath of the Capitol riots is by sharing his story. His new book, Standing My Ground, out Oct. 24 from Hachette Books, was his opportunity to tell of his experiences as only he could. 

“Every single person that day who was there has a story,” Dunn says. “And how do you reach that? You write a book.”

Dunn, who grew up in Clinton, MD, didn’t set out to be a police officer. He studied public health at James Madison University and originally considered a career as a professional athlete. While working at a car rental company, Dunn met a Capitol Police officer who encouraged him to apply for the force. 

“It's a duty now where, at first, it was a calling,” Dunn says. “Now, this is my duty and I can’t leave. My country’s depending on me. I have to do this now.”

On Jan. 6, Dunn reported to work, initially unperturbed by the gathering large crowds, until they began to surge upon the Capitol after President Trump’s "Stop the Steal" rally. In the hours to follow, Dunn would be caught in the midst of the insurrection. He would be sprayed with pepper spray and berated by rioters. He would share an emotional phone call with his daughter, where he assured her that things were okay amongst the chaos.

Related: Capitol Police Officer Shares Emotional Call with Daughter During Jan. 6 Riots (Exclusive Excerpt)

“That day, it opened eyes to the fragility of the democracy in this country,” Dunn says.

Dunn writes of the aftermath of the insurrection and how he dealt with it both publicly and privately. He recounted the racist remarks made to him and other Black officers by pro-Trump mobs during the House Committee Jan. 6 trials. In 2023, he was awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal by President Joe Biden, the second highest civilian award in the country. Dunn also describes his experience in therapy, though he admits he has hesitancies about the healing process.

“I am scared to heal,” Dunn says. “It’s scary because the anger is what’s driving my passion to want to do more. And I feel like if I healed, then I'm like, I'm over it. And I never want to forget. I never want to get to the place where I'm comfortable with the outcome of January 6th.”

As for what he would like to see done in the aftermath of the insurrection, Dunn says that he wants people to “be motivated” and to utilize tactics like grassroots movements for change if results aren’t in their favor.

“Get more people to come see things your way. Explain to people why you think they should agree with you,” he says.

Related: Mike Pence Slams Donald Trump for 'Reckless' Rhetoric on Jan. 6 That 'Endangered Me and My Family'

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Dunn says he is inspired by the words of late congressman and civil rights activist John Lewis, stating that one has to be in “good trouble” and “speak up [and] stand up when something's wrong.” He has lots of ideas for sharing his message too. Dunn wants to start a podcast, as well as a nonprofit centered on men’s mental health, because “we need to do a better job of taking care of ourselves,” he says.

Another interest of his is collecting lapel pins with quirky sayings. One is the logo for the store Bath and Body Works, which, instead, reads, “Back and Body Hurts.” Another says “This is a sign,” painted atop an actual sign.

There is another pin that Dunn keeps displayed on his bag, which he takes with him to work every day.

“It says, ‘it's okay to not be okay,’” Dunn says. “I would love to give credit if I could ever find out who originated that, but I filed it under 'Harryisms'…things that I like to hear.”

Standing My Ground is out Oct. 24.

The writer’s mother, Julie Tagen, also experienced the insurrection and has worked with Officer Dunn on Capitol Hill.

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