When future generations learn about the riot that took place on January 6 at the U.S. Capitol, they’ll be exposed to a number of shocking images and videos that filled television screens, social media feeds, and just about every conversation that day.
Among those images will most certainly be pictures of “QAnon Shaman” Jacob Chansley , the shirtless, spear-wielding, horn-wearing man who quickly became the painted face of the Capitol riot.
They’ll also likely discuss such other photos as the one of Adam Johnson, who social media users dubbed “Podium Guy”, after he was snapped happily carrying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s lectern through the building during the storming.
But perhaps one of the most disturbing and sobering pieces of media to have come out of that day is that of D.C. Police Officer Daniel Hodges being crushed between doors by a mob of rioters.
The sight of the helpless officer finding himself pinned by the massive pro-Trump crowd is one that left a lasting impact on stunned viewers, including 10-year-old Emma Jablonski.
As TODAY reported, the fourth grade student from Billings, Montana, was so horrified by what she saw that it nearly brought her to tears. Feeling like she needed to do something, the youngster decided to pen a heartfelt “get well” letter to the officer on her TV screen.
In that handwritten letter, Emma wished Officer Hodges good health and expressed her dismay at what she’d witnessed.
As she wrote,
“Dear Officer, I’m Emma and I’m 10 years old. I hope you heal from being crushed. I feel bad for you. Those people are really bad hurting you. I hope you and your family are nice and healthy. When I saw the video on CNN about people crushing you with a door, I almost cried. Get well.”
A photo of Emma’s letter was originally posted to Twitter by her mother, Johnna Jablonski, in the hopes that her sweet sentiments might somehow reach Hodges, who at that time had only been identified by the number on his riot helmet and badge – 4518.
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In no time at all, the since-deleted tweet went viral, reaching people all across the country who were touched by little Emma’s kind words.
“It’s very easy to say mean things on the internet so just being able to put that kindness out there,” Johnna told TODAY .
After gaining such incredible traction online, the tweet eventually reached the D.C. Police Department/
The department responded on Twitter thanking Emma, assuring her Officer Hodges is “doing well”, and providing her with an address for her to send her letter.
Just one week after the riots took place, Emma was able to speak to Hodges directly via Zoom call.
Thanks to NBC4 , the officer was able to thank the youngster for her heartwarming words and support, which he said meant “a lot to me and to all the officers out there who worked that day.”
“I am doing all right, all things considered,” Hodges answered when Emma asked if he’s OK. “I just got a headache that won’t quit, and I am kinda banged up, but I am looking forward to getting back out there.”
“Really, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.”
