In an effort to bring accountability and prevent future insurrections, former US Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn has announced his bid for Congress. Dunn, who fought off rioters during the January 6th attack on the Capitol and testified before the House Jan. 6 select committee, aims to represent Maryland's 3rd Congressional district.

Dunn, a Democrat, revealed his primary campaign just a day before the third anniversary of the infamous event. In his announcement, he expressed his determination to thwart former President Donald Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

Having received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Biden after his heroic actions, Dunn wrote, "Today, I'm running for Congress to stop Trump's MAGA extremists & ensure it never happens again." He emphasized the importance of defending democracy and asserted that he will stand against those who deny the violence and trauma suffered by his fellow officers.

In a poignant announcement video, Dunn reconstructed the events of the riot and highlighted his commitment to upholding the Constitution. He also called out members of Congress who he claimed had supported Trump and voted to acquit him, despite benefiting from protection by Capitol Police officers during the attack. Dunn argued that his potential election to Congress would grant him a seat at the table to hold Trump accountable.

On the three-year anniversary of the Jan. 6 riot, Dunn cautioned that similar events could transpire if Americans do not remain resolute in their commitment to democracy. He has been vocal about the racial slurs and online abuse he encountered following his testimony before the Jan. 6 committee.

Dunn aims to fill the seat of retiring Democratic Representative John Sarbanes in Maryland's 3rd Congressional district. However, he faces a challenging primary race with several competitors, including Maryland state Sens. Sarah Elfreth and Clarence K. Lam, Maryland state Dels. Mark S. Chang, Terri L. Hill, and Mike Rogers, businesswoman Abigail Diehl, and nurse Kristin Lyman Nabors.

Should Dunn succeed in his bid, he hopes to utilize his position in Congress to bring accountability to former President Trump and prevent the recurrence of such violent episodes. As the race for Maryland's 3rd Congressional district unfolds, all eyes will be on the candidates vying to represent their community and preserve the principles of democracy.