On Friday, the Orange County Democratic held a “Dems Mingle” at the Heart of West Lakes Health and Wellness Center on Tampa Avenue. Harry Dunn, the former officer who was attacked during the Capitol riot on January 6th, was the keynote speaker.

Dunn was injured after a coup of Trump supporters breached the Capitol, on January 6. Rioters were carrying MAGA and confederate flags as they stormed the Capitol.

Dunn is fired up about the change that he says America needs. Dunn told the crowd, “I realized I’m ready for a fight—literally and metaphorically. Because we are in a fight right now. I’m not a person that likes to gaslight people. I’m not going to tell you, ‘everything is going to be ok, yall. We’re gonna be fine. We just got to get through this.’ I don’t know. I don’t know if we are.”

In 2024, Dunn ran unsuccessfully for the United States House of Representatives. Although he raised $4 million dollars for his campaign, Dunn said his opponent put more money into the race at the last minute and was able to win. Nevertheless, Dunn is still speaking out for what he believes should be changed in America. Dunn said, “I know one thing, if we don’t fight we absolutely will lose. It won’t be ok if we don’t fight.”

Although Dunn quit his job to run for office 4 years short of being able to collect a full pension, Dunn says he still believes in public service. “I follow my convictions, I follow my heart and I knew I couldn’t stay in the position I was in because I believe until there’s nothing that can be done, there’s always something that can be done,” Dunn said.

I’ve Fought for Our Community Before—Now I’m Ready to Finish the Work