Joe Scarborough Slams 3-Year Delay on Jan. 6 Capitol Plaque

Capitol Plaque Honoring Jan. 6 Heroes Finally Installed After Three-Year Delay

Washington D.C. – A plaque commemorating the bravery of U.S. Capitol Police and other law enforcement agencies during the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol has finally been installed, but not without significant criticism regarding a three-year delay. The installation, which took place Saturday morning by staff from the office of the Architect of the Capitol, was mandated by law to be completed by March 2023. The protracted wait has drawn sharp condemnation, notably from television host Joe Scarborough, who labeled the delay “disgraceful.”

A Delayed Tribute to Courage

The plaque serves as a memorial to the officers who defended the Capitol building against a mob of rioters seeking to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election results. The violence of that day left many officers injured and traumatized, and their efforts were widely credited with preventing further chaos and potential breaches of legislative functions. The law requiring the plaque was intended to ensure a timely and permanent recognition of their service and sacrifice.

However, the nearly three-year gap between the legal mandate and the actual installation has raised questions about bureaucratic inefficiencies and a potential lack of urgency in honoring those who protected a cornerstone of American democracy. Joe Scarborough, co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” expressed his outrage on social media, calling the delay “disgraceful” and highlighting the perceived disrespect to the law enforcement officers involved.

“It’s disgraceful,” Scarborough stated, emphasizing the long overdue nature of the tribute. “They were required by law to have this up by March 2023. It’s now 2024. We’re nearly a year past that.”

Calls for Accountability and Swift Recognition

Scarborough, joined by his co-host Mika Brzezinski, has been a vocal critic of the events surrounding January 6th and the subsequent handling of its commemoration. The delay in installing the plaque is seen by critics as another instance of the nation struggling to adequately and promptly honor the heroes of that day. The sentiment is that such recognition should not be subject to administrative hurdles or lengthy delays, especially when the bravery and sacrifice of law enforcement are in question.

The office of the Architect of the Capitol, responsible for maintaining and developing the Capitol complex, has not provided a detailed explanation for the extensive delay. However, the installation on a Saturday morning suggests an effort to complete the task without further postponement, possibly in response to public and media scrutiny. The plaque’s placement is intended to be a permanent fixture, serving as a constant reminder of the events of January 6th and the resilience of those who defended the Capitol.

Broader Implications and Public Memory

The incident surrounding the delayed plaque installation touches upon broader issues of how the United States remembers significant historical events and honors its public servants. January 6th remains a deeply divisive and consequential day in American history, marked by an assault on democratic institutions. The delay in erecting a memorial, even one mandated by law, can be interpreted as a lapse in national commitment to acknowledging and commemorating pivotal moments and the individuals who shaped their outcomes.

For law enforcement officers who were present that day, the delay may also symbolize a perceived lack of urgency from governmental bodies to fully acknowledge their efforts. In a period where discussions about policing, heroism, and national identity are ongoing, timely and visible tributes are crucial for public morale and for reinforcing societal values. The installation, though late, is a step towards fulfilling that obligation.

What’s Next?

As the plaque now stands, the focus shifts to ensuring that such delays do not become the norm for honoring those who serve and protect national landmarks and democratic processes. Future legislative mandates for memorials and tributes will likely face increased scrutiny regarding their timelines and execution. The public and elected officials alike will be watching to see if the Architect of the Capitol’s office implements measures to prevent similar protracted timelines for future commemorative projects, ensuring that acts of bravery and sacrifice are recognized in a timely and dignified manner.

Source: 'It's disgraceful': Joe slams three-year delay of hanging Jan. 6 Capitol plaque (YouTube)