A Capitol police officer who was hailed a hero for diverting protesters away from the Senate chamber during the January 6 riots was given a special position during Joe Biden's presidential inauguration.
When Congress gathered to certify Joe Biden's election victory two weeks ago, protesters managed to breach the building in Washington DC and headed for the Senate chamber.
But officer Eugene Goodman successfully led rioters away from the unguarded doors, giving lawmakers time to evacuate to a secure location.
His actions potentially saved the lives of members of Congress.
Since then he has been praised for his bravery and, after the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms resigned, was promoted to acting deputy Senate sergeant-at-arms.
In the new role, Goodman was part of the official escort accompanying vice-President Kamala Harris to the platform where she was sworn in on Thursday.
When his name was mentioned during the proceedings, the crowd erupted into applause, the New York Times reported.
There are also plans to award him for his actions with a Congressional Gold Medal.
"The United States Capitol was under attack by armed, violent extremists, and Officer Eugene Goodman was the only thing standing between the mob and the United States Senate," Representative Charlie Crist said, CBS News reported.
"I shudder to think what might have happened had it not been for Officer Goodman's fast thinking and commitment to his duty and his country."
