Following the violent riot at the U.S. Capitol last week led by supporters of President Donald Trump, some U.S. House members and others want the Capitol Police officers who responded to the scene to know just how grateful people are for their efforts.
In the Cannon Tunnel, which connects the Cannon House Office Building to the Capitol, dozens if not hundreds of signs have been posted as a tribute to Capitol Police.
They were hung in the tunnel so that Capitol Police officers who work in both buildings will see the signs, Ashley Phelps, a spokesperson for the Committee on House Administration Republican Office, which coordinated the initiative, told TODAY.
Many of the notes were penned by members of Congress and their staff, "as well as ... a lot of people just walking by, like support staff and reporters," Phelps said via email. "They saw the signs going up and wanted to stop and make one."
Law enforcement officers had to make quick decisions while facing the violent mob when it breached the Capitol. One successfully led rioters away from a Senate chamber that had multiple senators and the vice president inside.
Another Capitol Police officer, Brian D. Sicknick, died from his injuries a day after the breach took place.
"Our goal is to show our support and appreciation for the Capitol Police officers who protected staff and members on Jan. 6 and continue to protect us every day," Phelps said. "They have a very difficult job to do right now and we want them to know we continue to be behind them."
"God bless you for your bravery and dedication," read one sign from the staff of Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican from Kansas.
"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid," read another.
The pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol last Wednesday to protest the ceremonial event that certified Joe Biden's win in the presidential election. Photos of the damage showed plenty of debris, members of Congress' offices ransacked, shattered windows, broken furniture and more. At least five deaths have been associated with the events.
Congress went on to confirm President-elect Biden's win early the following day. President Trump committed to an "orderly transition" of power shortly afterward.
This story has been updated to include quotes from a spokesperson for the Committee on House Administration Republican Office.